Nitride Based Solid-Electrolyte-Interphase for Dendrite Free and Longer Life for Lithium Metal Batteries

Sunday, 9 October 2022: 09:20
Galleria 4 (The Hilton Atlanta)
J. Pokharel and Z. Yue (South Dakota State University)
The lithium metal anode (LMA) is considered as a promising star for next-generation high-energy density batteries but is still hampered by the severe growth of uncontrollable lithium dendrites. To resolve the problem, a facile and efficient solution processed method with lithium nitride as a protective layer was demonstrated. The Li3N-rich SEI successfully suppresses the penetration of Li dendrites, while the low electronic conductivity and the intrinsic electrochemical stability of Li3N block side reactions between the electrolyte and Li. Here, we showed that the liquid electrolytes increase their cation transference number (from 0.37 to 0.66) when confined to a structurally rigid Li3N host. This enabled stable interface between the lithium and electrolyte and Li dendrite suppression. As a result long stable plating/stripping cycling up-to 3500 hours at 0.5 mA cm-2 was demonstrated along with a full cell cycling up-to 500 cycle at 1C rate.