A facile finger-paint physical modification for bilateral electrode/electrolyte interface towards a stable aqueous Zn battery

Since the electrode/electrolyte interface(EEI)is the main redox center of electrochemical processes,proper manipulation of the EEI microenvironment is crucial to stabilize interfacial behaviors.Here,a finger-paint method is proposed to enable quick physical modification of glass-fiber separator without complicated chemical technology to modulate EEI of bilateral electrodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs).An elaborate biochar derived from Aspergillus Niger is exploited as the modification agent of EEI,in which the multi-functional groups assist to accelerate Zn^(2+)desolvation and create a hydrophobic environment to homogenize the deposition behavior of Zn anode.Importantly,the finger-paint interface on separator can effectively protect cathodes from abnormal capacity fluctuation and/or rapid attenuation induced by H_(2)O molecular on the interface,which is demonstrated in modified MnO_(2),V_(2)O_(5),and KMn HCF-based cells.The as-proposed finger-paint method opens a new idea of bilateral interface engineering to facilitate the access to the practical application of the stable zinc electrochemistry.

Solid electrolyte-electrode interface based on buffer therapy in solid-state lithium batteries

In the past few years,the all-solid lithium battery has attracted worldwide attentions,the ionic conductivity of some all-solid lithium-ion batteries has reached 10^(-3)-10^(-2) S/cm,indicating that the transport of lithium ions in solid electrolytes is no longer a major problem.However,some interface issues become research hotspots.Examples of these interfacial issues include the electrochemical decomposition reaction at the electrode-electrolyte interface;the low effective contact area between the solid electrolyte and the electrode etc.In order to solve the issues,researchers have pursued many different approaches.The addition of a buffer layer between the electrode and the solid electrolyte has been at the center of this endeavor.In this review paper,we provide a systematic summarization of the problems on the electrode-solid electrolyte interface and detailed reflection on the latest works of buffer-based therapies,and the review will end with a personal perspective on the improvement of buffer-based therapies.

In situ formed LiF-Li_(3)N interface layer enables ultra-stable sulfide electrolyte-based all-solid-state lithium batteries

Sulfide solid electrolytes are promising for high energy density and safety in all-solid-state batteries due to their high ionic conductivity and good mechanical properties.However,the application of sulfide solid electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries with lithium anode is restricted by the side reactions at lithium/electrolytes interfaces and the growth of lithium dendrite caused by nonuniform lithium deposition.Herein,a homogeneous LiF-Li_(3)N composite protective layer is in situ formed via a manipulated reaction of pentafluorobenzamide with Li metal.The LiF-Li_(3)N layer with both high interfacial energy and interfacial adhesion energy can synergistically suppress side reactions and inhibit the growth of lithium dendrite,achieving uniform deposition of lithium.The critical current densities of Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)and Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl are increased to 3.25 and 1.25 mA cm^(-2)with Li@LiF-Li_(3)N layer,which are almost triple and twice as those of Li-symmetric cells in the absence of protection layer,respectively.Moreover,the Li@LiF-Li_(3)N/Li10GeP2S12/Li@LiF-Li_(3)N cell can stably cycle for 9000 h at 0.1 mA cm^(-2)under 0.1 mA h cm^(-2),and Li@LiF-Li_(3)N/Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl/Li@LiF-Li_(3)N cell achieves stable Li plating/stripping for 8000 h at 0.1 mA cm^(-2)under10 m A h cm^(-2).The improved dynamic stability of lithium plating/stripping in Li@LiF-Li_(3)N/Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)or Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl interfaces is proved by three-electrode cells.As a result,LiCoO_(2)/electrolytes/Li@LiF-Li_(3)N batteries with Li_(10)GeP_(2)S_(12)and Li_(6)PS_(5)Cl exhibit remarkable cycling stability of 500 cycles with capacity retentions of 93.5%and 89.2%at 1 C,respectively.

Electrode-compatible fluorine-free multifunctional additive regulating solid electrolyte interphase and solvation structure for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

The rapid development and widespread application of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) have increased demand for high-safety and high-performance LIBs. Accordingly, various additives have been used in commercial liquid electrolytes to severally adjust the solvation structure of lithium ions, control the components of solid electrolyte interphase, or reduce flammability. While it is highly desirable to develop low-cost multifunctional electrolyte additives integrally that address both safety and performance on LIBs, significant challenges remain. Herein, a novel phosphorus-containing organic small molecule, bis(2-methoxyethyl) methylphosphonate(BMOP), was rationally designed to serve as a fluorine-free and multifunctional additive in commercial electrolytes. This novel electrolyte additive is low-toxicity,high-efficiency, low-cost, and electrode-compatible, which shows the significant improvement to both electrochemical performance and fire safety for LIBs through regulating the electrolyte solvation structure, constructing the stable electrode-electrolyte interphase, and suppressing the electrolyte combustion. This work provides a new avenue for developing safer and high-performance LIBs.

A critical review on composite solid electrolytes for lithium batteries:Design strategies and interface engineering

The rapid development of new energy vehicles and 5G communication technologies has led to higher demands for the safety,energy density,and cycle performance of lithium-ion batteries as power sources.However,the currently used liquid carbonate compounds in commercial lithium-ion battery electrolytes pose potential safety hazards such as leakage,swelling,corrosion,and flammability.Solid electrolytes can be used to mitigate these risks and create a safer lithium battery.Furthermore,high-energy density can be achieved by using solid electrolytes along with high-voltage cathode and metal lithium anode.Two types of solid electrolytes are generally used:inorganic solid electrolytes and polymer solid electrolytes.Inorganic solid electrolytes have high ionic conductivity,electrochemical stability window,and mechanical strength,but suffer from large solid/solid contact resistance between the electrode and electrolyte.Polymer solid electrolytes have good flexibility,processability,and contact interface properties,but low room temperature ionic conductivity,necessitating operation at elevated temperatures.Composite solid electrolytes(CSEs) are a promising alternative because they offer light weight and flexibility,like polymers,as well as the strength and stability of inorganic electrolytes.This paper presents a comprehensive review of recent advances in CSEs to help researchers optimize CSE composition and interactions for practical applications.It covers the development history of solid-state electrolytes,CSE properties with respect to nanofillers,morphology,and polymer types,and also discusses the lithium-ion transport mechanism of the composite electrolyte,and the methods of engineering interfaces with the positive and negative electrodes.Overall,the paper aims to provide an outlook on the potential applications of CSEs in solid-state lithium batteries,and to inspire further research aimed at the development of more systematic optimization strategies for CSEs.

Engineering homotype heterojunctions in hard carbon to induce stable solid electrolyte interfaces for sodium-ion batteries

Developing effective strategies to improve the initial Coulombic efficiency(ICE)and cycling stability of hard carbon(HC)anodes for sodium-ion batteries is the key to promoting the commercial application of HC.In this paper,homotype heterojunctions are designed on HC to induce the generation of stable solid electrolyte interfaces,which can effectively increase the ICE of HC from 64.7%to 81.1%.The results show that using a simple surface engineering strategy to construct a homotypic amorphous Al_(2)O_(3) layer on the HC could shield the active sites,and further inhibit electrolyte decomposition and side effects occurrence.Particularly,due to the suppression of continuous decomposition of NaPF 6 in ester-based electrolytes,the accumulation of NaF could be reduced,leading to the formation of thinner and denser solid electrolyte interface films and a decrease in the interface resistance.The HC anode can not only improve the ICE but elevate its sodium storage performance based on this homotype heterojunction composed of HC and Al_(2)O_(3).The optimized HC anode exhibits an outstanding reversible capacity of 321.5mAhg^(−1) at 50mAg^(−1).The cycling stability is also improved effectively,and the capacity retention rate is 86.9%after 2000 cycles at 1Ag^(−1) while that of the untreated HC is only 52.6%.More importantly,the improved sodium storage behaviors are explained by electrochemical kinetic analysis.

Investigation of polysulfone film on high-performance anode with stabilized electrolyte/electrode interface for lithium batteries

Lithium metal has been considered to be the most promising anode material for the new generation of energy-storage system.However,challenges still stand in protecting lithium metal from spontaneous reactions with electrolytes and preventing the dendritic propagation,both of which would lead to undesirable decrease in Coulombic efficiency.Polysulfone(PSf)membrane with high rigidity and free-volume cavities of approximately 0.3 nm was employed to provide a stable interface on the surface of anodic electrode.The isotropic channels were constructed by the interconnected and uniformly distributed free volumes in the polymer matrix,and were expected to be swelled by solvent molecules and anions of lithium salt and to allow Li+ions to pass through onto the electrode surface.As a result,dendrite-free morphology of deposited lithium was observed.The stabilized interface arose from the PSf film was verified by the promoted performances of Cu|Li cells and steady voltage polarization of Li|Li cells.The full cell with PSf coated anode exhibited excellent cyclability(85%capacity retention rate over 400 cycles at 1C)and an outstanding rate capability(117 m Ah g-1 at 5C).The beneficial performances were further verified by the EIS results.This work provides a new strategic idea to settle the dendritic problems of Li metal anodes.

Solid Electrolyte Interface in Zn-Based Battery Systems

Due to its high theoretical capacity(820 mAh g^(−1)),low standard electrode potential(−0.76 V vs.SHE),excellent stability in aqueous solutions,low cost,environmental friendliness and intrinsically high safety,zinc(Zn)-based batteries have attracted much attention in developing new energy storage devices.In Zn battery system,the battery performance is significantly affected by the solid electrolyte interface(SEI),which is controlled by electrode and electrolyte,and attracts dendrite growth,electrochemical stability window range,metallic Zn anode corrosion and passivation,and electrolyte mutations.Therefore,the design of SEI is decisive for the overall performance of Zn battery systems.This paper summarizes the formation mechanism,the types and characteristics,and the characterization techniques associated with SEI.Meanwhile,we analyze the influence of SEI on battery performance,and put forward the design strategies of SEI.Finally,the future research of SEI in Zn battery system is prospected to seize the nature of SEI,improve the battery performance and promote the large-scale application.

Progress and perspective of interface design in garnet electrolyte-based all-solid-state batteries

Inorganic solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)are nonflammable alternatives to the commercial liquid-phase electrolytes.This enables the use of lithium(Li)metal as an anode,providing high-energy density and improved stability by avoiding unwanted liquid-phase chemical reactions.Among the different types of SSEs,the garnet-type electrolytes witness a rapid development and are considered as one of the top candidates to pair with Li metal due to their high ionic conductivity,thermal,and electrochemical stability.However,the large resistances at the interface between garnet-type electrolytes and cathode/anode are the major bottlenecks for delivering desirable electrochemical performances of all-solid-state batteries(SSBs).The electrolyte/anode interface also suffers from metallic dendrite formation,leading to rapid performance degradation.This is a fundamental material challenge due to the poor contact and wettability between garnet-type electrolytes with electrode materials.Here,we summarize and analyze the recent contributions in mitigating such materials challenges at the interface.Strategies used to address these challenges are divided into different categories with regard to their working principles.On one hand,progress has been made in the anode/garnet interface,such as the successful application of Li-alloy anode and different artificial interlayers,significantly improving interfacial performance.On the other hand,the desired cathode/garnet interface is still hard to reach due to the complex chemical and physical structure at the cathode.The common methods used are nanostructured cathode host and sintering additives for increasing the contact area.On the basis of this information,we present our views on the remaining challenges and future research of electrode/garnet interface.This review not only motivates the need for further understanding of the fundamentals,stability,and modifications of the garnet/electrode interfaces but also provides guidelines for the future design of the interface for SSB.

Unraveling the stabilization mechanism of solid electrolyte interface on ZnSe by rGO in sodium ion battery

Transition metal selenides have been widely studied as anode materials of sodium ion batteries(SIBs),however,the investigation of solid-electrolyte-interface(SEI)on these materials,which is critical to the electrochemical performance of SIBs,remains at its infancy.Here in this paper,ZnSe@C nanoparticles were prepared from ZIF-8 and the SEI layers on these electrodes with and without reduced graphene oxide(rGO)layers were examined in details by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies at varied charged/discharged states.It is observed that fast and complicated electrolyte decomposition reactions on ZnSe@C leads to quite thick SEI film and intercalation of solvated sodium ions through such thick SEI film results in slow ion diffusion kinetics and unstable electrode structure.However,the presence of rGO could efficiently suppress the decomposition of electrolyte,thus thin and stable SEI film was formed.ZnSe@C electrodes wrapped by rGO demonstrates enhanced interfacial charge transfer kinetics and high electrochemical performance,a capacity retention of 96.4%,after 1000 cycles at 5 A/g.This study might offer a simple avenue for the designing high performance anode materials through manipulation of SEI film.

Revealing the solid electrolyte interface on calcium metal anodes

Owing to its low potential, crustal abundances and environmental friendliness, calcium metal anode(CMA) is emerging as a powerful contender in post-lithium era. However, the passivation of CMA fatally hinders its development. Recently, several feasible electrolytes have been developed. Nevertheless, as a pivotal part, the solid electrolyte interface(SEI) formed on CMA has not been paid enough attention to. In this review, based on the passivation mechanism of CMA, the favorable composition of SEI is emphasized with the corresponding electrolytes. It is considered that boron-containing and organic–inorganic hybrid SEI might be preferred. By comparing electrolytes and SEI on CMA with lithium and magnesium metal anodes, the root causes of CMA passivation are further elaborated, enlightening rational design rules of suitable SEI. Furthermore, some noteworthy details when assembling secondary calcium metal batteries(CMBs) are put forward. It is expected that deeper understanding of SEI on CMA will promote the development of CMBs.

A Review on Engineering Design for Enhancing Interfacial Contact in Solid-State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

The utilization of solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)presents a promising solution to the issues of safety concern and shuttle effect in Li–S batteries,which has garnered significant interest recently.However,the high interfacial impedances existing between the SSEs and the electrodes(both lithium anodes and sulfur cathodes)hinder the charge transfer and intensify the uneven deposition of lithium,which ultimately result in insufficient capacity utilization and poor cycling stability.Hence,the reduction of interfacial resistance between SSEs and electrodes is of paramount importance in the pursuit of efficacious solid-state batteries.In this review,we focus on the experimental strategies employed to enhance the interfacial contact between SSEs and electrodes,and summarize recent progresses of their applications in solidstate Li–S batteries.Moreover,the challenges and perspectives of rational interfacial design in practical solid-state Li–S batteries are outlined as well.We expect that this review will provide new insights into the further technique development and practical applications of solid-state lithium batteries.

Integrated interface configuration by in-situ interface chemistry enabling uniform lithium deposition in all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

All-solid-state lithium metal batteries(ASSLMBs)are considered as one of the ultimate goals for the development of energy storage systems due to their high energy density and high safety.However,the mismatching of interface transport kinetics as well as interfacial instability induces the growth of lithium dendrite and thus,leads to severe degradation of battery electrochemical performances.Herein,an integrated interface configuration(IIC)consisting of in-situ generated Li I interphase and Li-Ag alloy anode is proposed through in-situ interface chemistry.The IIC is capable of not only regulating charge transport kinetics but also synchronously stabilizing the lithium/electrolyte interface,thereby achieving uniform lithium platting.Therefore,Li||Li symmetric cells with IIC achieve a critical current density of up to 1.6 mA cm^(-2)and achieve stable cycling over 1600 hours at a high current density of 0.5 mA cm^(-2).Moreover,a high discharge capacity of 140.1 mA h g-1at 0.1 C is also obtained for the Li(Ni_(0.6)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.2))O_(2)(NCM622)full battery with a capacity retention of 65.6%after 300 cycles.This work provides an effective method to synergistically regulate the interface transport kinetics and inhibit lithium dendrite growth for high-performance ASSLMBs.

Unveiling and Alleviating Chemical“Crosstalk”of Succinonitrile Molecules in Hierarchical Electrolyte for High-Voltage Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries

Succinonitrile-based plastic crystal electrolytes have emerged for high-energy-density Li metal batteries in terms of their superior ambient ionic conductivity,low flammability,and benign compatibility with high voltage cathode,but are hampered by inherent instabilities toward Li anodes.Constructing hierarchical solid electrolytes structure is a fundamental approach to protect Li anode from succinonitrile attacks,with succinonitrile-based oxidation-resistance layer facing high voltage cathode and reduction-tolerant layer contacting Li anode.However,free succinonitrile molecules in succinonitrile-based electrolyte layer can diffuse across the electrolyte/electrolyte interface and further reach Li anode surface during the battery cycle.This chemical“crosstalk”cause reduction-tolerant electrolyte layer to fail to protect the Li anode from the attacks of free succinonitrile molecules.Nano Li_(6.4)La_(3)Zr_(1.4)Ta_(0.6)O_(12)is introduced creatively into succinonitrile-based electrolyte layer.By taking advantage of the complexation between La atoms in Li_(6.4)La_(3)Zr_(1.4)Ta_(0.6)O_(12)and N atoms in succinonitrile,the free succinonitrile molecules are successfully immobilized in succinonitrile-based electrolyte layer.The resulting low resistance and highly durable solid electrolyte interphase and cathode electrolyte interphase endow NCM622||Li batteries with remarkable cycle stability.Our research provides a new idea for the real application of plastic crystal electrolytes in high voltage solid-state lithium metal batteries.

Silicon micropillar electrodes of lithiumion batteries used for characterizing electrolyte additives

The 100 crystal-oriented silicon micropillar array platforms were prepared by microfabrication processes for the purpose of electrolyte additive identification. The silicon micropillar array platform was used for the study of fluorinated vinyl carbonate(FEC), vinyl ethylene carbonate(VEC), ethylene sulfite(ES), and vinyl carbonate(VC) electrolyte additives in the LiPF_6 dissolved in a mixture of ethylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate electrolyte system using charge/discharge cycles, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results show that the silicon pillar morphology displays cross-shaped expansion after lithiation/delithiation, the inorganic lithium salt keeps the silicon pillar morphology intact, and the organic lithium salt content promotes a rougher silicon pillar surface. The presence of poly-(VC) components on the surface of FEC and VC electrodes allows the silicon pillar to accommodate greater volume expansion while remaining intact. This work provides a standard, fast, and effective test method for the performance analysis of electrolyte additives and provides guidance for the development of new electrolyte additives.

Mechanistically Novel Frontal-Inspired In Situ Photopolymerization:An Efficient Electrode|Electrolyte Interface Engineering Method for High Energy Lithium Metal Polymer Batteries

The solvent-free in situ polymerization technique has the potential to tailor-make conformal interfaces that are essential for developing durable and safe lithium metal polymer batteries(LMPBs).Hence,much attention has been given to the eco-friendly and rapid ultraviolet(UV)-induced in situ photopolymerization process to prepare solid-state polymer electrolytes.In this respect,an innovative method is proposed here to overcome the challenges of UV-induced photopolymerization(UV-curing)in the zones where UV-light cannot penetrate,especially in LMPBs where thick electrodes are used.The proposed frontal-inspired photopolymerization(FIPP)process is a diverged frontal-based technique that uses two classes(dual)of initiators to improve the slow reaction kinetics of allyl-based monomers/oligomers by at least 50%compared with the conventional UV-curing process.The possible reaction mechanism occurring in FIPP is demonstrated using density functional theory calculations and spectroscopic investigations.Indeed,the initiation mechanism identified for the FIPP relies on a photochemical pathway rather than an exothermic propagating front forms during the UV-irradiation step as the case with the classical frontal photopolymerization technique.Besides,the FIPP-based in situ cell fabrication using dual initiators is advantageous over both the sandwich cell assembly and conventional in situ photopolymerization in overcoming the limitations of mass transport and active material utilization in high energy and high power LMPBs that use thick electrodes.Furthermore,the LMPB cells fabricated using the in situ-FIPP process with high mass loading LiFePO_(4)electrodes(5.2 mg cm^(-2))demonstrate higher rate capability,and a 50%increase in specific capacity against a sandwich cell encouraging the use of this innovative process in large-scale solid-state battery production.

Water-induced electrode poisoning and the mitigation strategy for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

Engineering failure of membrane electrode assembly caused by increasingly fuel poisoning in the high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells fed with humidified reformate gases is firstly demonstrated herein this work. Based on the results of the in-situ environmental scanning electron microscope, electrochemical analyses, and limiting current method, a water-induced phosphoric acid invasion model is constructed in the porous electrode to elucidate the failure causations of the hindered hydrogen mass transport and the enhanced carbon monoxide poisoning. To optimize the phosphoric acid distribution under the inevitably humidified circumstance, a facile and effective strategy of constructing acid-proofed electrode is proposed and demonstrates outstanding stability with highly humidified reformate gases as anode fuel. This work discusses a potential defect that was rarely studied previously under practical working circumstance for high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, providing an alternative opinion of electrode design based on the fundamental aspects towards the engineering problems.

Lithium–matrix composite anode protected by a solid electrolyte layer for stable lithium metal batteries

Lithium (Li) metal with an ultrahigh specific theoretical capacity and the lowest reduction potential is strongly considered as a promising anode for high-energy-density batteries. However, uncontrolled lithium dendrites and infinite volume change during repeated plating/stripping cycles hinder its practical applications immensely. Herein, a house-like Li anode (housed Li) was designed to circumvent the above issues. The house matrix was composed of carbon fiber matrix and affords a stable structure to relieve the volume change. An artificial solid electrolyte layer was formed on composite Li metal, just like the roof of a house, which facilitates uniform Li ions diffusion and serves as a physical barrier against electrolyte corrosion. With the combination of solid electrolyte layer and matrix in the composite Li metal anode, both dendrite growth and volume expansion are remarkably inhibited. The housed Li|LiFePO4 batteries exhibited over 95% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 1.0 C in coin cell and 85% capacity retention after 80 cycles at 0.5 C in pouch cell. The rationally combination of solid electrolyte layer protection and housed framework in one Li metal anode sheds fresh insights on the design principle of a safe and long-lifespan Li metal anode for Li metal batteries.

All-solid-state lithium batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes:Review of fundamental science

The scientific basis of all-solid-state lithium batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes is reviewed briefly, touching upon solid electrolytes, electrode materials, electrolyte/electrode interface phenomena, fabrication, and evaluation. The challenges and prospects are outlined as well.

Dry electrode technology for scalable and flexible high-energy sulfur cathodes in all-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries

All-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries(ASSLSBs)employing sulfide solid electrolytes are one of the most promising next-generation energy storage systems due to their potential for higher energy density and safety.However,scalable fabrication of sheet-type sulfur cathodes with high sulfur loading and excellent performances remains challenging.In this work,sheet-type freestanding sulfur cathodes with high sulfur loading were fabricated by dry electrode technology.The unique fibrous morphologies of polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)binders in dry electrodes not only provides excellent mechanical properties but also uncompromised ionic/electronic conductance.Even employed with thickened dry cathodes with high sulfur loading of 2 mg cm^(-2),ASSLSBs still exhibit outstanding rate performance and cycle stability.Moreover,the all-solid-state lithium-sulfur monolayer pouch cells(9.2 m Ah)were also demonstrated and exhibited excellent safety under a harsh test situation.This work verifies the potential of dry electrode technology in the scalable fabrication of thickened sulfur cathodes and will promote the practical applications of ASSLSBs.