Paper TF-MoM10
Strategies for the Stabilization of Metal Anodes for Li and Na Metal Batteries

Monday, October 21, 2019, 11:20 am, Room A124-125

Li-metal batteries (LMBs) and Na-metal batteries (NMBs) are considered as the promising candidates to replace the conventional Li-ion batteries due to their high theoretical energy density. Li metal and Na metal are the ultimate choices as anodes to achieve their high energy density due to the high specific capacity, low electrochemical potential and lightweight [1]. However, as alkali metals, both Li and Na metal anodes suffer from serious challenges including 1) dendrite formations and short circuits; 2) Low Coulombic efficiency (CE) and poor cycling performance; and 3) Infinite volume changes. This presentation mainly focuses on the design of multiple strategies for the stabilization of Li and Na metal anode for LMBs and NMBs.

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer is one of the key factors for the Li and Na deposition behaviors [2]. We developed different approaches to fabricate the artificial SEI with significantly improved electrochemical performances. Firstly, we have demonstrated different ultra-thin protective layers for Li and Na metal anodes by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and molecular layer deposition (MLD) techniques, including Al₂O₃, alucone, and polyurea, et al [3]. More recently, we designed a dual-protective layer for Li metal anode with precisely controlled thicknesses, compositions and mechanical properties [4]. Secondly, we developed the in-situ solution-based methods to fabricate the Li₃PS₄ and Na₃PS₄ as protective layers for both Li and Na metal anodes with enhanced performances and reduced dendrite growth [5].

To address another challenge of volume change, 3D conductive interlayers and hosts have been designed for Li and Na metal anodes. Carbon paper (CP) and modified CP with carbon nanotubes have been used as host/interlayer with excellent electrochemical performance under high current density and high capacity [6].

In conclusion, we developed the different approaches, including protective layers fabricated by ALD/MLD and solution methods, interlayers, and 3D skeleton design, for Li and Na metal anodes with enhanced electrochemical performances and reduced dendrite growth. Meanwhile, the ideas have been also applied to solve the practical issues for testing Li and Na metal batteries.

[1] Energy & Environmental Science, 2018, 11, 2673

[2] Joule, 2018, 2, 2583

[3] ACS Energy Letters, 2018, 3, 899; Small Methods, 2018, 2, 1700417; Advanced Materials, 2017, 29, 1606663; Nano Letters, 2017, 17, 5653; Advanced Materials, 2019, 31, 201806541

[4] Matter, 2019, in press

[5] Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2019, 7, 4119

[6] Nano Energy, 2018, 43, 368; Energy Storage Materials, 2018, 15, 415; Small, 2018, 14, 1703717