High-energy lithium batteries based on single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes and Li[Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1]O2 cathodes. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Zhen; Steinle, Dominik; Nguyen, Huu-Dat; Kim, Jae-Kwang; Mayer, Alexander; Shi, Junli; Paillard, Elie; Iojoiu, Cristina; Passerini, Stefano; Bresser, Dominic
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 77(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Single-ion conductor -- Polymer electrolyte -- NCM811 -- Cathode -- Lithium battery; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.105129
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes are considered ideal for suppressing dendritic lithium deposition, but so far suffered instability at elevated potentials and, thus, incompatibility with next-generation high-energy cathodes such as Ni-rich Li[Ni1-x-y Cox Mny ]O2 (NCM(1-x-y)xy ). Herein, we show that the thoughtful design of electrolytes based on multi-block co-poly(arylene ether sulfone)s and incorporating suitable "molecular transporters" (such as propylene carbonate) may, in fact, enable the realization of high-energy lithium-metal batteries employing, for the first time, NCM811 -based positive electrodes. These batteries can be cycled with high reversible capacity at various temperatures, including 20 °C and even 0 °C, for more than 500 cycles without substantial capacity fading when applying an optimized charging mode. The careful electrochemical characterization and ex situ investigation of the electrode/electrolyte interfaces reveals, moreover, that the use of such single-ion conductor successfully inhibits dendritic lithium metal deposition, while particular care has to be taken for the interface between the electrolyte and the NCM811 cathode. Graphical abstract: NCM811 -based Li-metal batteries comprising a single-ion conducting multi-block copolymer electrolyte exhibit remarkable rate capability and cycling stability – even at 0 °C, rendering this electrolyte a suitable candidate for inherently safer next-generation high-performance batteries. Image 1 Highlights: Single-ion conducting multi-block copolymer electrolyte with a suitable "molecular transporter" compatible with high-energy NMC811 . Self-extinguishing polymer electrolyte exhibits high ionic conductivity and limiting current density, and very good stability towards oxidation and reduction. Incorporation of the polymer electrolyte into the electrode's pores enables facile electrode wetting and good charge transfer at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The Li/NCM811 cells show remarkable rate capability and long-term cycling stability, 500 cycles, at 20 °C and 0 °C.