Researchers have reported a new method of interfacial engineering to enable faster output rates for solid-state lithium batteries. They found that nanoscopic resistant metal layers such as Tungsten could improve the performance of these important batteries for purposes such as electrical mobility. Ordinary Li-ion batteries use graphite anode, liquid electrolyte, and transition metal cathode. However, liquid electrolytes can burn and decompose at high temperatures leading to poor battery life and in extreme cases lead to battery overheating. Replacing the liquid electrolyte in a standard Li-ion battery with a strong ceramic electrolyte and at the same time replacing the graphite anode with a metallic lithium anode can enable Li-ion batteries to be safe and durable in a single charge.
However, the long-term challenge with strong state batteries is the growth of lithium dendrites surrounding cells and this is emphasized during rapid charging. Based on many basic electrochemical measurements made up of several hundred cells that are part of a solid region and subsequent nano-characterization descriptions, researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) realized that dendrite growth was a manifestation of a deeper process: disruptive growth of lithium voids. constructive at the time of release. The researchers identified that growth of lithium voids during discharge leads to increased dendrite during charging.
A team comprising Vikalp Raj, Victor Venturi, Varun R Kankanallu, Bibhatsu Kuiri, Venkatasubramanian Viswanathan and Naga Phani B Aetukuri found that at the edge of small voids, Li-ion currents were concentrated. The currents in these edges are 10000 times larger than the average wavelength in a cell. It is therefore necessary to prevent vain growth to prevent dendrite growth. When examining the ultrathin coating of the metal alloy between the lithium anode and the solid electrolyte, the researchers noted that tungsten is an ideal candidate for blocking lithium space movement due to its low melting of lithium and consequently delays in null growth. They have collaborated with researchers at Carnegie Mellon University to validate their work using integration methods.
Resources created under the Materials for Energy Conservation and Storage Platform (DST-MECSP), Technology Mission Division (Energy, Water and others), Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the DST-IISc Energy Storage Platform in Supercapacitors and Power Dense Devices have been instrumental in furthering the work. The work is published in Nature Materials. The researchers acknowledged the support from Drs. Ranjith Krishna Pai, Scientist ‘E’ (TMD-EWO), DST and (Late) Shri. Drs. Sanjay Bajpai, former Head (TMD-EWO), DST planning program brought a few important energy research resources under one roof and Drs. Anita Gupta, Head (TMD-EWO), DST, to expand.
