In a significant stride towards enhancing the performance and safety of next-generation batteries, researchers have developed a novel approach to improve the interface between lithium metal anodes and garnet-based solid electrolytes. The study, led by Tianlu Pang from the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was recently published in the journal Advanced Science, which translates to “Advanced Science” in English.
The team’s focus was on addressing two critical challenges in all-solid-state batteries: poor interfacial contact and lithium dendrite formation. By employing a room-temperature ultrasonic treatment combined with a LiMg alloy anode, they created a symmetrical cell that demonstrated remarkable performance. The fabricated UW-LiMg/LLZO/UW-LiMg cell exhibited a low interfacial resistance and achieved an unprecedented critical current density of 4.45 mA cm⁻².
“Our approach not only enhances the ductility of the anode through Mg alloying but also forms an ultra-stable interface layer,” explained Pang. This innovation led to exceptional cycling stability, with the cells maintaining stable lithium plating/stripping for over 1000 hours at a high current density of 1 mA cm⁻² and a low overpotential of approximately 30 mV.
The practical implications of this research are substantial for the energy sector. All-solid-state batteries are a promising avenue for improving the safety and energy density of batteries, which are crucial for applications ranging from electric vehicles to grid storage. The enhanced performance and stability demonstrated in this study could accelerate the commercialization of these advanced battery technologies.
Moreover, the all-solid-state UW-LiMg/LLZO/LiFePO4 battery, incorporating an ultrasonically treated alloy anode and a fluorinated cathode interface, delivered a specific capacity of 153 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.5 C and retained an impressive 90% capacity retention after 200 cycles at room temperature. These results highlight the potential for significant advancements in battery technology, paving the way for more efficient and reliable energy storage solutions.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like this one are essential for meeting the growing demand for sustainable and high-performance energy storage. The research conducted by Pang and his team represents a significant step forward in this direction, offering a glimpse into the future of battery technology and its transformative potential for various industries.