Incorporation of Ionic Conductive Polymers into Sulfide Electrolyte-Based Solid-State Batteries to Enhance Electrochemical Stability and Cycle Life

Sulfide-based inorganic solid electrolytes are promising materials for high-performance safe solid-state batteries.The high ion conductivity,mechanical characteristics,and good processability of sulfide-based inorganic solid electrolytes are desirable properties for realizing high-performance safe solid-state batteries by replacing conventional liquid electrolytes.However,the low chemical and electrochemical stability of sulfide-based inorganic solid electrolytes hinder the commercialization of sulfide-based safe solid-state batteries.Particularly,the instability of sulfide-based inorganic solid electrolytes is intensified in the cathode,comprising various materials.In this study,carbonate-based ionic conductive polymers are introduced to the cathode to protect cathode materials and suppress the reactivity of sulfide electrolytes.Several instruments,including electrochemical spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,and scanning electron microscopy,confirm the chemical and electrochemical stability of the polymer electrolytes in contact with sulfide-based inorganic solid electrolytes.Sulfide-based solid-state cells show stable electrochemical performance over 100 cycles when the ionic conductive polymers were applied to the cathode.

A Room-Temperature Chloride-Conducting Metal-Organic Crystal[Al(DMSO)_(6)]Cl_(3) for Potential Solid-State Chloride-Shuttle Batteries

The growing demand for substitutes of lithium chemistries in battery leads to a surge in budding novel anion-based electrochemical energy storage,where the chloride ion batteries(CIBs)take over the role.The application of CIBs is limited by the dissolution and side reaction of chloride-based electrode materials in a liquid electrolyte.On the flipside,its solid-state electrolytes are scarcely reported due to the challenge in realizing fast Cl^(-)conductivity.The present study reports[Al(DMSO)_(6)]Cl_(3),a solid-state metal-organic material,allows chloride ion transfer.The strong Al-Cl bonds in AlCl_(3)are broken down after coordinating of Al^(3+)by ligand DMSO,and Cl^(-)in the resulting compound is weakly bound to complexions[Al(DMSO)_(6)]^(3+),which may facilitate Cl^(-)migration.By partial replacement of Cl^(-)with PF_(6)^(-),the room-temperature ionic conductivity of as-prepared electrolyte is increased by one order of magnitude from 2.172×10^(-5)S cm^(-1)to 2.012×10^(-4)S cm^(-1).When they are assembled with Ag(anode)/Ag-AgCl(cathode)electrode system,reversible electrochemical redox reactions occur on both sides,demonstrating its potential for solid-state chloride ion batteries.The strategy by weakening the bonding interaction using organic ligands between Cl^(-)and central metallic ions may provide new ideas for developing solid chloride-ion conductors.

A dynamic database of solid-state electrolyte(DDSE)picturing all-solid-state batteries

All-solid-state batteries(ASSBs)are a class of safer and higher-energy-density materials compared to conventional devices,from which solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)are their essential components.To date,investigations to search for high ion-conducting solid-state electrolytes have attracted broad concern.However,obtaining SSEs with high ionic conductivity is challenging due to the complex structural information and the less-explored structure-performance relationship.To provide a solution to these challenges,developing a database containing typical SSEs from available experimental reports would be a new avenue to understand the structureperformance relationships and find out new design guidelines for reasonable SSEs.Herein,a dynamic experimental database containing>600 materials was developed in a wide range of temperatures(132.40–1261.60 K),including mono-and divalent cations(e.g.,Li^(+),Na^(+),K^(+),Ag^(+),Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+),and Zn^(2+))and various types of anions(e.g.,halide,hydride,sulfide,and oxide).Data-mining was conducted to explore the relationships among different variates(e.g.,transport ion,composition,activation energy,and conductivity).Overall,we expect that this database can provide essential guidelines for the design and development of high-performance SSEs in ASSB applications.This database is dynamically updated,which can be accessed via our open-source online system.

Revealing the specific role of sulfide and nano-alumina in composite solid-state electrolytes for performance-reinforced ether-nitrile copolymers

Composite solid-state electrolytes represent a critical pathway that balances the interface compatibility and lithium-ion conductivity in all-solid-state batteries.The quest for stable and highly ion-conductive combinations between polymers and fillers is vital,but blind attempts are often made due to a lack of understanding of the mechanisms involved in the interaction between polymers and fillers.Herein,we employ in-situ polymerization to prepare a polymer based on an ether-nitrile copolymer with high cathode stability as the foundation and discuss the performance enhancement mechanisms of argyrodite and nano-alumina.With 1%content of sulfide interacting with the polymer at the two-phase interface,the local enhancement of lithium-ion migration capability can be achieved,avoiding the reduction in capacity due to the low ion conductivity of the passivation layer during cycling.The capacity retention after 50cycles at 0.5 C increases from 83.5%to 94.4%.Nano-alumina,through anchoring the anions and interface inhibition functions,eventually poses an initial discharge capacity of 136.8 m A h g^(-1)at 0.5 C and extends the cycling time to 1000 h without short-circuiting in lithium metal batteries.Through the combined action of dual fillers on the composite solid-state electrolyte,promising insights are provided for future material design.

Data-Driven Viewpoint for Developing Next-Generation Mg-Ion Solid-State Electrolytes

Magnesium(Mg)is a promising alternative to lithium(Li)as an anode material in solid-state batteries due to its abundance and high theoretical volumetric capacity.However,the sluggish Mg-ion conduction in the lattice of solidstate electrolytes(SSEs)is one of the key challenges that hamper the development of Mg-ion solid-state batteries.Though various Mg-ion SSEs have been reported in recent years,key insights are hard to be derived from a single literature report.Besides,the structure-performance relationships of Mg-ion SSEs need to be further unraveled to provide a more precise design guideline for SSEs.In this viewpoint article,we analyze the structural characteristics of the Mg-based SSEs with high ionic conductivity reported in the last four decades based upon data mining-we provide big-data-derived insights into the challenges and opportunities in developing next-generation Mg-ion SSEs.

Polymer dispersed ionic liquid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity for ultrastable solid-state lithium batteries

Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for building solid-state lithium batteries due to their excellent flexibility,scalability,and interfacial compatibility with electrodes.However,the low ionic conductivity and poor cyclic stability of SPEs do not meet the requirements for practical applications of lithium batteries.Here,a novel polymer dispersed ionic liquid-based solid polymer electrolyte(PDIL-SPE)is fabricated using the in situ polymerization-induced phase separation(PIPS)method.The as-prepared PDIL-SPE possesses both outstanding ionic conductivity(0.74 mS cm^(-1) at 25℃)and a wide electrochemical window(up to 4.86 V),and the formed unique three-dimensional(3D)co-continuous structure of polymer matrix and ionic liquid in PDIL-SPE can promote the transport of lithium ions.Also,the 3D co-continuous structure of PDIL-SPE effectively accommodates the severe volume expansion for prolonged lithium plating and stripping processes over 1000 h at 0.5 mA cm^(-2) under 25℃.Moreover,the LiFePO_(4)//Li coin cell can work stably over 150 cycles at a 1 C rate under room temperature with a capacity retention of 90.6%from 111.1 to 100.7 mAh g^(-1).The PDIL-SPE composite is a promising material system for enabling the ultrastable operation of solid-state lithium-metal batteries.

Electronegativity-Induced Single-Ion Conducting Polymer Electrolyte for Solid-State Lithium Batteries

The application of solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)is severely impeded by the insufficient ionic conductivity and low Li^(+)transference numbers(t_(Li)^(+)).Here,we report an iodine-driven strategy to address both the two longstanding issues of SPEs simultaneously.Electronegative lodine-containing groups introduced on polymer chains effectively attract Li^(+)ions,facilitate Li^(+)transport,and promote the dissociation of Li salts.Meanwhile,iodine is also favorable to alleviate the strong O-Li^(+)coordination through a Lewis acidbase interaction,further improving the ionic conductivity and t_(Li)^(+).As a proof of concept,an iodinated single-ion conducting polymer electrolyte(IPE)demonstrates a high ionic conductivity of 0.93 mS cm^(-1)and a high t_(Li)^(+)of 0.86 at 25℃,which is among the best results ever reported for SPEs.Moreover,symmetric Li/Li cells with IPE achieve a long-term stability over 2600 h through the in-situ formed LiF-rich interphase.As a result,Li-S battery with IPE maintains a high capacity of 623.7 mAh g^(-1)over 300 cycles with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99%.When matched with intercalation cathode chemistries,Li/IPE/LiFePO_(4)and Li/IPE/LiNi_(0.8)Mn_(0.1)Co_(0.1)O_(2)solid-state batteries also deliver high-capacity retentions of 95%and 97%at 0.2 C after 120 cycles,respectively.

3D spiny AlF_(3)/Mullite heterostructure nanofiber as solid-state polymer electrolyte fillers with enhanced ionic conductivity and improved interfacial compatibility

Lithium metal batteries assembled with solid-state electrolyte can offer high safety and volumetric energy density compared to liquid electrolyte.The polymer solid-state electrolytes of poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)are widely used in lithium metal solid-state batteries due to their unique properties.However,there are still some defects such as low ionic conductivity at room temperature and weak inhibition of lithium dendrite growth.Herein,the spiny inorganic nanofibers heterostructure with mullite whiskers grown on the surface of aluminum fluoride(AlF_(3))nanofibers are introduced into the PEOLi TFSI electrolytes for the first time to prepare composite solid-state electrolytes.The AlF_(3)as a strong Lewis acid can adsorb anions and promote the dissociation of Li salts.Besides,the specially threedimensional(3D)structure enlarges the effective contacting interface with the PEO polymer,which allows the lithium ions to be transported not only along the large aspect ratio of AlF3nanofibers,but also along the mullite phase in the transmembrane direction rapidly.Thereby,the transport channel of lithium ions at the spiny inorganic nanofibers-polymer interface is further improved.Benefiting from these advantages,the obtained composite solid-state electrolyte has a high ionic conductivity of 1.58×10^(-4)S cm^(-1)at 30℃and the lithium ions transfer number of 0.53.In addition,the AlF3has strong binding energy with anions,low electronic conductivity and wide electrochemical stability window,and reduced nucleation overpotential of lithium during cycling,which is positive for lithium dendrite suppression in solid-state electrolytes.Thus,the assembled symmetric Li/Li symmetric batteries exhibit stable cycling performance at different area capacities of 0.15,0.2,0.3 and 0.4 m A h cm^(-2).More importantly,the LiFePO_(4)(LFP)/Li battery still has 113.5 m A h g-1remaining after 400 cycles at 50℃and the Coulomb efficiency is nearly 100%during the long cycle.Overall,the interconnected structure of 3D spiny inorganic heterostructure nanofiber constitutes fast and uninterrupted lithium ions transport channels,maximizing the synergistic effect of interfacial transport of inorganic fillers and reducing PEO crystallinity,thus providing a novel approach to high performance solid-state electrolytes.

Empirical decay relationship between ionic conductivity and porosity of garnet type inorganic solid-state electrolytes

Ionic conductivity is one of the crucial parameters for inorganic solid-state electrolytes.To explore the relationship between porosity and ionic conductivity,a series of Li_(6.4)Ga_(0.2)La_(3)Zr_(2)O_(12) garnet type solid-state electrolytes with different porosities were prepared via solid-state reaction.Based on the quantified data,an empirical decay relationship was summarized and discussed by means of mathematical model and dimensional analysis method.It suggests that open porosity causes ionic conductivity to decrease exponentially.The pre-exponential factor obeys the Arrhenius Law quite well with the activation energy of 0.23 eV,and the decay constant is averaged to be 2.62%.While the closed porosity causes ionic conductivity to decrease linearly.The slope and intercept of this linear pattern also obey the Arrhenius Law and the activation energies are 0.24 and 0.27 eV,respectively.Moreover,the total porosity is linearly dependent on the open porosity,and different sintering conditions will lead to different linear patterns with different slopes and intercepts.

Effect of sintering temperature and holding time on structure and properties of Li_(1.5)Ga_(0.5)Ti_(1.5)(PO_4)_(3)electrolyte with fast ionic conductivity

Li1.5Ga0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3(LGTP)is recognized as a promising solid electrolyte material for lithium ions.In this work,LGTP solid electrolyte materials were prepared under different process conditions to explore the effects of sintering temperature and holding time on relative density,phase composition,microstructure,bulk conductivity,and total conductivity.In the impedance test under frequency of 1-10~6 Hz,the bulk conductivity of the samples increased with increasing sintering temperature,and the total conductivity first increased and then decreased.SEM results showed that the average grain size in the ceramics was controlled by the sintering temperature,which increased from(0.54±0.01)μm to(1.21±0.01)μm when the temperature changed from 750 to 950°C.The relative density of the ceramics increased and then decreased with increasing temperature as the porosity increased.The holding time had little effect on the grain size growth or sample density,but an extended holding time resulted in crack generation that served to reduce the conductivity of the solid electrolyte.

Recent advances and perspectives in MXene-based cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries(AZIBs)show great potential for applications in grid-scale energy storage,given their intrinsic safety,cost effectiveness,environmental friendliness,and impressive electrochemical performance.However,strong electrostatic interactions exist between zinc ions and host materials,and they hinder the development of advanced cathode materials for efficient,rapid,and stable Zn-ion storage.MXenes and their derivatives possess a large interlayer spacing,excellent hydrophilicity,outstanding electronic conductivity,and high redox activity.These materials are considered“rising star”cathode candidates for AZIBs.This comprehensive review discusses recent advances in MXenes as AZIB cathodes from the perspectives of crystal structure,Zn-storage mechanism,surface modification,interlayer engineering,and conductive network design to elucidate the correlations among their composition,structure,and electrochemical performance.This work also outlines the remaining challenges faced by MXenes for aqueous Zn-ion storage,such as the urgent need for improved toxic preparation methods,exploration of potential novel MXene cathodes,and suppression of layered MXene restacking upon cycling,and introduces the prospects of MXene-based cathode materials for high-performance AZIBs.

Flexible ion-conducting membranes with 3D continuous nanohybrid networks for high-performance solid-state metallic lithium batteries

Polyethylene oxide(PEO)-based electrolytes are considered as one of the most promising solid-state electrolytes for next-generation lithium batteries with high safety and energy density;however,the drawbacks such as insufficient ion conductance,mechanical strength and electrochemical stability hinder their applications in metallic lithium batteries.To enhance their overall properties,flexible and thin composite polymer electrolyte(CPE)membranes with 3D continuous aramid nanofiber(ANF)–Li_(1.4)Al_(0.4)Ti_(1.6)(PO_(4))_(3)(LATP)nanoparticle hybrid frameworks are facilely prepared by filling PEO–Li TFSI in the 3D nanohybrid scaffolds via a solution infusion way.The construction of the 3D continuous nanohybrid networks can effectively inhibit the PEO crystallization,facilitate the lithium salt dissociation and meanwhile increase the fast-ion transport in the continuous LATP electrolyte phase,and thus greatly improving the ionic conductivity(~3 times that of the pristine one).With the integration of the 3D continuity and flexibility of the 3D ANF networks and the thermostability of the LATP phase,the CPE membranes also show a wider electrochemical window(~5.0 V vs.4.3 V),higher tensile strength(~4–10times that of the pristine one)and thermostability,and better lithium dendrite resistance capability.Furthermore,the CPE-based Li FePO_(4)/Li cells exhibit superior cycling stability(133 m Ah/g after 100 cycles at 0.3 C)and rate performance(100 m Ah/g at 1 C)than the pristine electrolyte-based cell(79 and 29m Ah/g,respectively).This work offers an important CPE design criteria to achieve comprehensivelyupgraded solid-state electrolytes for safe and high-energy metal battery applications.

A new metal-organic rotaxane framework for enhanced ion conductivity of solid-state electrolyte in lithium-metal batteries

The composite polymer electrolyte has been obtained via incorporating LiCUST-701(a new metal–organic rotaxane framework modified by Li+)into poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)matrix and give a high ionic conductivity of 4.02×10^(−4)S/cm at 60℃.DFT calculations were used to visualize the possible diffusion pathway of Li+.The all-solid-state cell assembled with LiFePO_(4),composite polymer electrolyte and lithium metal foil delivered with excellent cycling capability and stability even under high current densities.

A lithium–tin fluoride anode enabled by ionic/electronic conductive paths for garnet-based solid-state lithium metal batteries

The high energy density and stability of solid-state lithium metal batteries(SSLMBs)have garnered great attention.Garnet-type oxides,especially Li_(6.4)La_(3)Zr_(1.4)Ta_(0.6)O_(12)(LLZTO),with high ionic conductivity,wide electrochemical window,and stability to Li metal anode,are promising solid-state electrolyte(SSEs)materials for SSLMBs.However,Li/LLZTO interface issues including high interface resistance,inhomogeneous Li deposition,and Li dendrite growth have hindered the practical application of SSLMBs.Herein,a multi-functional Li–SnF_(2) composite anode with Li,LiF,and Li-Sn alloy was specifically designed and prepared.The composite anode improves the wettability to LLZTO,constructing an intimate contact interface between it and LLZTO.Meanwhile,ionic/electronic conductive paths in situ formed at the interface can effectively uniform Li deposition and suppress Li dendrite.The solid-state symmetric cell exhibits low interface resistance(11Ω·cm^(2)) and high critical current density(1.3 mA·cm^(−2))at 25℃.The full SSLMB based on LiFePO_(4) or LiNi_(0.5)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.3)O_(2) cathode also shows stable cycling performance and high rate capability.This work provides a new composite anode strategy for achieving high-energy density and high-safety SSLMBs.

Comprehensively-modified polymer electrolyte membranes with multifunctional PMIA for highly-stable all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries

Polyethylene oxide(PEO)-based electrolytes have obvious merits such as strong ability to dissolve salts(e.g.,LiTFSI)and high flexibility,but their applications in solid-state batteries is hindered by the low ion conductance and poor mechanical and thermal properties.Herein,poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide)(PMIA)is employed as a multifunctional additive to improve the overall properties of the PEO-based electrolytes.The hydrogen-bond interactions between PMIA and PEO/TFSI-can effectively prevent the PEO crystallization and meanwhile facilitate the LiTFSI dissociation,and thus greatly improve the ionic conductivity(two times that of the pristine electrolyte at room temperature).With the incorporation of the high-strength PMIA with tough amide-benzene backbones,the PMIA/PEO-LiTFSI composite polymer electrolyte(CPE)membranes also show much higher mechanical strength(2.96 MPa),thermostability(4190℃)and interfacial stability against Li dendrites(468 h at 0.10 mA cm-2)than the pristine electrolyte(0.32 MPa,364℃and short circuit after 246 h).Furthermore,the CPE-based LiFePO4/Li cells exhibit superior cycling stability(137 mAh g^-1 with 93%retention after 100 cycles at 0.5 C)and rate performance(123 mAh g^-1 at 1.0 C).This work provides a novel and effective CPE structure design strategy to achieve comprehensively-upgraded electrolytes for promising solid-state battery applications.

Simultaneously enhancing ionic conductivity and interfacial stability by Fe_(2)O_(3) for solid-state sodium metal batteries

NASICON-structured Na_(3)Zr_(2)Si_(2)PO_(12)(NZSP)has been considered as one of the ideal electrolytes for all-solid-state sodium metal batteries(ASSSB).However,the practical application of NZSP-based ASSSB is hindered by the low ionic conductivity and large interfacial resistance caused by the poor contact between NZSP and Na metal.Herein,the introduction of Fe_(2)O_(3) not only improves ionic conductivity and reduces activation energy by the doping of Fe^(3+)in the crystal structure of NZSP,but also reduces the interfacial resistance and enhances interface stability between NZSP and Na metal anode.The synergistic effects significantly enhance the cycling stability,rate capability,and critical current density of the symmetrical solid-state cells.The interfacial reaction mechanism indicates that Fe3+in the interface is reduced Fe2+by Na anode,which effectively even the electric-filed distribution and suppresses the dendrite growth.Consequently,the symmetric solid-state cells exhibit stable cycling performance for 1,500 h at 0.1 mA·cm−1/0.1 mA·h·cm−1 and over 900 h at 0.2 mA·cm−1/0.2 mA·h·cm−1.The Na|NZSP-0.075%Fe_(2)O_(3)|Na_(2)FePO_(4)F solid-state full cells display high capacity retention of 94.2%after 100 cycles at 0.5 C.The stable interface of NZSP/Na and improved ionic conductivity contribute to excellent electrochemical performance,which accelerates the practical application of ASSSB.

Enhanced Cathode/Electrolyte Interface in Solid-state Li-metal Battery based on Garnet-type Electrolyte

Li/garnet/LiFePO_(4) solid-state battery was fabricated.The cathode contains LiFePO_(4),Ketjen black,poly(vinylidene fluoride):LiTFSI polymer as active material,electric conductor and Li-ion conducting binder,respectively.Polyvinylpyrrolidone was added into the cathode to improve cathode/electrolyte interfacial performance.When combined with polyvinylpyrrolidone additive,poly(vinylidene fluoride):polyvinylpyrrol idone:LiTFSI blend forms,and the cathode/electrolyte interfacial resistance reduces from 10.7 kΩto 3.2 kΩ.The Li/garnet/LiFePO_(4) solid-state battery shows 80%capacity retention after 100 cycles at 30℃and 0.05 C.This study offers a general strategy to improve cathode/electrolyte interfacial performance and may enable the practical application of solid-state Li-metal batteries.

Defect-rich potassium amide: A new solid-state potassium ion electrolyte

One of the major obstacles to the application of potassium-ion batteries in large-scale energy storage is the lack of safe and effective electrolytes.KNH_(2),a new potassium-ion solid electrolyte has been developed in this study.Its ionic conductivity reaches 4.84×10^(-5)S cm^(-1)at 150°C and can reach3.56×10^(-4)S cm^(-1)after mechanochemical treatment.The result from electron paramagnetic resonance(EPR) measurement shows that the increment of ionic conductivity is dependent on the concentration of nitrogen defects in the KNH_(2) electrolyte.To the best of our knowledge,this is the first report that adopts inorganic amide as an electrolyte for potassium-ion battery and initiates the search for a new amidebased solid electrolyte for an all-solid-state potassium-ion battery.

Recent Advances on Polyoxometalate-Based Ion-Conducting Electrolytes for Energy-Related Devices

Solid-state electrolytes have attracted considerable attention in new energyrelated devices due to their high safety and broad application platform.Polyoxometalates(POMs)are a kind of molecular-level cluster compounds with unique structures.In recent years,owing to their abundant physicochemical properties(including high ionic conductivity and reversible redox activity),POMs have shown great potential in becoming a new generation of solid-state electrolytes.In this review,an overview is investigated about how POMs have evolved as ion-conducting materials from basic research to novel solid-state electrolytes in energy devices.First,some expressive POM-based ion-conducting materials in recent years are introduced and classified,mainly inspecting their structural and functional relationship.After that,it is further focused on the application of these ionconducting electrolytes in the fields of proton exchange membranes,supercapacitors,and ion batteries.In addition,some properties of POMs(such as inherent dimension,capable of forming stable hydrogen bonds,and reversible bonding to water molecules)enable these functional POM-based electrolytes to be employed in innovative applications such as ion selection,humidity sensing,and smart materials.Finally,some fundamental recommendations are given on the current opportunities and challenges of POM-based ion-conducting electrolytes.

Effects of Heat Treatment and Additive LiF on the Properties of Solid-State Electrolyte of Li_(1.5)Al_(0.5)Ge_(1.5)(PO_(4))_(3)

A solid electrolyte of LAGP[Li_(1.5)Al_(0.5)Ge_(1.5)(PO_(4))_(3)]contained 0.5 wt%Li F was prepared by using low-volatile raw materials.The effects of different heat treatment conditions(750–900°C,4–10 h)and additive(Li F)on the ionic conductivity,structural morphology,and crystal transformation process were investigated in detail.EIS(electrochemical impedance spectroscopies)showed that the ionic conductivity of LAGP contained 0.5 wt%Li F had a highest value of 3.17×10^(-4)S cm^(-1)with low activation energy(0.31 e V)after treating 825°C for 6 h,more than LAGP of 2.45×10^(-4)S cm^(-1).DSC analysis and SEM images indicated that adding a small amount of Li F to LAGP not only can lower the glass transition temperature(from 513°C to507°C)and crystallization temperature(from 622°C to 605°C),but also can modify the grain boundary and increase the relative density of LAGP(from 95.8%to 97.7%).