Electrochemically Active Red P/BaTiO3‐Based Protective Layers Suppressing Li Dendrite Growth for Li Metal Batteries. Issue 20 (23rd August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwon, Bomee; Ha, Seongmin; Kim, Dong‐Min; Koo, Dongho; Lee, Jeonghyeop; Lee, Kyu Tae
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials interfaces. Volume 7:Issue 20(2020)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-08-23
• Subjects: electrolyte decomposition -- lithium dendrites -- lithium metal anodes -- protective layers -- red phosphorus; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/admi.202001037
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-7350

Abstract

Abstract: Li metal has been considered a promising anode for high‐energy density batteries because of its high specific capacity. However, uncontrolled Li dendrite growth and severe electrolyte decomposition are detrimental obstacles hindering the practical applications of lithium metal batteries. Herein, electrochemically active red P‐based protective layers are introduced to suppress Li dendrite growth during cycling. Red P particles confined in the protective layer react with Li dendrites, forming Li3 P, as Li dendrites are penetrating through the protective layer. As a result, Li metal is no longer plated on the Li3 P surface because Li3 P is electrically insulating, eventually leading to suppressing Li dendrite growth. Moreover, the red P‐based protective layer is functionalized with dielectric BaTiO3 nanoparticles to scavenge radicals generated from electrolyte decomposition as well as to improve the mechanical strength of protective layers. The synergy effect of electrochemically active red P and inactive BaTiO3 gives rise to the improved short‐circuit time of Li metal and the excellent cycle performance and Coulombic efficiency of Li/Li symmetric and Li/LiFePO4 full cells over 200 cycles, despite the fact that the cell performances are examined with the conventional electrolyte of LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate that is highly unstable against Li metal. Abstract : Electrochemically active red P‐based protective layers are introduced to suppress Li dendrite growth during cycling. Moreover, the red P‐based protective layer is functionalized with BaTiO3 nanoparticles to scavenge radicals generated from electrolyte decomposition. The synergy effect of electrochemically active red P and inactive BaTiO3 gives rise to the excellent electrochemical performance of Li metal.