In the relentless pursuit of safer and more powerful batteries, a team of researchers from the Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in South Korea has made a significant breakthrough. Led by Dong-Yeob Han from the Department of Chemistry and Department of Battery Engineering, the team has developed a novel approach to enhance the performance and safety of quasi-solid-state lithium-ion batteries. Their work, published in the journal Advanced Science, introduces an innovative interlocking system that could revolutionize the energy sector.
The team’s focus was on addressing the challenges posed by high-capacity active materials, such as silicon microparticle anodes and nickel-rich cathodes. These materials, while promising for their high energy density, suffer from substantial volume fluctuations during battery cycling, leading to unstable interfaces and contact loss. This issue has been a major hurdle in the development of high-energy-density quasi-solid-state batteries (QSSBs).
To tackle this problem, Han and his team introduced an in situ interlocking electrode-electrolyte (IEE) system. This system leverages covalent crosslinking between acrylate-functionalized interlocking binders on active materials and crosslinkers within the quasi-solid-state electrolyte (QSSE). The result is a robust, interconnected network that maintains stable electrode-electrolyte contact, even as the battery cycles.
“The key to our approach is the creation of a covalent bond between the electrode and the electrolyte,” explained Han. “This bond ensures that the interface remains stable, preventing the formation of voids and maintaining low interfacial resistance throughout the battery’s life.”
The implications of this research are profound for the energy sector. Quasi-solid-state batteries, with their enhanced safety and performance, are seen as a promising alternative to traditional liquid electrolyte batteries. The IEE system developed by Han’s team could pave the way for the commercialization of these batteries, opening up new possibilities for electric vehicles, grid storage, and other high-energy-density applications.
The team’s experiments demonstrated the effectiveness of their IEE system. A silicon microparticle||nickel-rich cathode full cell with the IEE system showed superior electrochemical performance, with low voltage hysteresis over 200 cycles and stable interfacial resistance. Moreover, a bi-layer pouch cell configuration achieved an impressive energy density of 403.7 Wh kg−1/1300 Wh L−1. The cell also passed mechanical abuse tests, such as folding and cutting, showcasing its robustness.
The research, published in the journal Advanced Science, which is translated to Advanced Sciences, has sparked excitement in the scientific community. The innovative interlocking system could be a game-changer in the development of high-energy-density batteries, addressing long-standing challenges and paving the way for safer, more powerful energy storage solutions.
As the world continues to demand more from its batteries, research like this offers a glimpse into the future. The energy sector is on the cusp of a revolution, and innovations like the IEE system could be the catalyst that drives it forward. The work of Han and his team is a testament to the power of scientific innovation in shaping the future of energy.