In recent decades, engineers and chemists have tirelessly pursued advanced battery technologies to meet the growing demands of the electronics industry, giving rise to innovations such as all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). Particularly, all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries (ASSLBs) offer high energy densities and enhanced safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries (LiBs). Despite these advantages, widespread deployment of ASSLBs has been hindered by issues like Li dendrite growth and high interface resistance.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have introduced a groundbreaking approach to design safe and high-energy ASSLBs, as detailed in their publication in Nature Energy. This new design principle aims to address the challenges posed by lithium dendrites through a strategic interlayer between the lithium anode and solid electrolyte.
Zeyi Wang, the first author of the paper, emphasized the significance of moving beyond trial-and-error experiments in tackling the lithium dendrite issue. The research focuses on developing an interface design principle capable of guiding the fabrication of a series of interlayers, aiming for a comprehensive solution to the lithium dendrite problem.
The key aspect of their work involves introducing a special layer with specific properties between the lithium anode and the solid electrolyte. According to Wang, the interlayer should be lithiophobic, highly ionic conductive, slightly electronic conductive, and porous. The team applied this design principle to create a Li4SiO4@LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2/Li6PS5Cl/20 µm-Li battery cell, exhibiting impressive performance in initial tests with 82.4% capacity retention after 350 operation cycles at 60°C.
Wang highlighted the success of their design principle, emphasizing its potential application to various ASSBs, suppressing Li-dendrite formation, and enhancing overall battery performance. The approach holds promise for the development of safe and high-performing battery technologies for electric vehicles and large electronics. Future studies will involve testing additional interfaces to further validate and modify the design principle, with plans to optimize materials for manufacturing and eventual testing on vehicles.
