Browsing by Subject "Lithium anode"

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Stable high energy density batteries based on microstructure modified Ni-rich lithium intercalating cathodes and a surface-stabilized metallic lithium anode
(2020-09-16) Sun, Ho Hyun; Mullins, C. B.; Heller, Adam; Keitz, Benjamin K; Hwang, Gyeong S; Henkelman, Graeme Andrew
While lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs), many customers are disinclined to buy EVs because of their limited range. Significant increase in the range requires higher specific capacity electrodes for an equal or higher operating voltage battery, exemplified in this thesis by a metallic lithium anode and a high-Ni content layered oxide cathode. The instability of the lithium metal surface and the particle-fracturing in the high-Ni layered oxides have in the past prevented implementation of the two electrodes in commercially manufactured batteries. This dissertation explores these challenges through stabilization of the lithium metal anode by an inorganic compound rich SEI layer formed by tailoring the electrolyte and its reaction with lithium metal. The formed SEI layer is mechanically robust and highly Li⁺ permeable. The Ni-rich layered oxide cathode is stabilized through nano- and micro-structured elongated rod-shaped grains, with the Ni concentration decreasing from their core to their surface. The Ni concentration gradient reduces detrimental reactions at the cathode surface and the rod-like grains maintain particle coherency for extended cycling. The tailored high-Ni cathodes were also tested and found to be similarly efficient in batteries with metallic sodium anodes.