2:15 PM - EN02.12.03
Strategies for the Stabilization of Metal Anodes for Li and Na Metal Batteries
Yang Zhao1,Xueliang Sun1
Western University1
Show Abstract
Li-metal batteries (LMBs) and Na-metal batteries (NMBs) are considered as the promising candidates to replace the conventional Li-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their high theoretical energy density. For LMBs and NMBs, Li metal and Na metal are the ultimate choices to achieve their high energy density due to the high specific capacity, low electrochemical potential and lightweight [1]. However, as alkali metals, both Li and Na metal anodes suffer from serious challenges including 1) Li/Na dendrite formations and short circuits; 2) Low Coulombic efficiency (CE) and poor cycling performance; and 3) Infinite volume changes. This presentation mainly focuses on the design of multiple strategies for the stabilization of Li and Na metal anode for LMBs and NMBs.
Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer is one of the key factors for the Li and Na deposition behaviors [2]. We developed different approaches to fabricate artificial SEI with significantly improved electrochemical performances. Firstly, we have demonstrated different ultra-thin protective layers for Li and Na metal anodes by advanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) techniques, including Al2O3, alucone, and polyurea, et al [3]. More recently, we designed a natural SEI-inspired dual-protective layer for Li metal anode with precisely controlled thicknesses, compositions and mechanical properties [4]. Secondly, we developed the in-situ solution-based methods to fabricate the Li3PS4 and Na3PS4 as protective layers for both Li and Na metal anodes with significantly enhanced performances and reduced dendrite growth [5].
To address another challenge of volume change, 3D conductive interlayers and hosts have been designed for Li and Na metal anodes. Carbon paper (CP) and modified CP with carbon nanotubes have been used as host/interlayer with excellent electrochemical performance under high current density and high capacity [6].
In conclusion, we developed the different approaches, including protective layers fabricated by ALD/MLD and solution methods, interlayers, and 3D skeleton design, for Li and Na metal anodes with enhanced electrochemical performances and reduced dendrite growth. Meanwhile, the ideas have been also applied to solve the practical issues for testing Li and Na metal batteries.
[1] Y. Zhao, X. Sun, Energy & Environmental Science, 2018, 11, 2673
[2] Y. Zhao, X. Sun, Joule, 2018, 2, 2583
[3] Y. Zhao, X. Sun et al, ACS Energy Letters, 2018, 3, 899; Y. Zhao, X. Sun et al, Small Methods, 2018, 2, 1700417; Y. Zhao, X. Sun, et al, Advanced Materials, 2017, 29, 1606663; Y. Zhao, X. Sun et al, Nano Letters, 2017, 17, 5653; Y. Sun+, Y. Zhao+, X. Sun, et al, Advanced Materials, 2019, 31, 201806541
[4] Y. Zhao, X. Sun et al, 2019, submitted
[5] Y. Zhao, X. Sun et al, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2019, 7, 4119; J. Liang, X. Sun et al, Advanced Materials, 2018, 30, 1804684
[6] Y. Zhao, X. Sun et al, Nano Energy, 2018, 43, 368; Y. Zhao, X. Sun et al, Energy Storage Materials, 2018, 15, 415; Y. Zhao, X. Sun et al, Small, 2018, 14, 1703717