Collaborative Research: Understanding and Tailoring the Anode-Electrolyte Interfacial Layers on the Stabilization of Lithium Metal Electrode

合作研究：理解和定制阳极-电解质界面层对锂金属电极稳定性的影响

• 批准号: 2038082
• 负责人: Yue Zhou
• 金额: $ 24.97万
• 依托单位: South Dakota State University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2021-03-01 至 2023-02-28
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2038082&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Collaborative; Research; Understanding; Tailoring; Anode

Metallic lithium (Li) is considered as one of the promising next-generation anode materials to replace conventional graphite in Li-ion batteries because of its high theoretical specific energy capacity and low reduction potential. However, dendrite growth on the electrode and unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation have created safety concerns in Li batteries and hindered practical applications. Introducing an artificial protective layer on the Li metal electrode is an effective strategy to stabilize the Li electrode, yet how this protective layer interacts with the electrochemical process of Li metal anode is not well understood. This project will integrate experiments and simulations to understand how the physical and chemical properties of the protective layer affect the electrochemical performance of the Li metal electrode. The fundamental knowledge gained will guide development of novel Li metal electrodes with high performance and improved safety for electric vehicles and other high-energy-density electrical storage devices. The project will also involve the education of graduate, undergraduate students, and K-12 students by course development, summer camp, and outreach activities in local museums. The overarching goal of this project is to develop a new understanding of the key physical and chemical properties of the protective layer that leads to stable charge/discharge processes of the Li metal electrode. The state-of-the-art guideline is insufficient, and the model only considers the influences of the limited mechanical properties of the protective layer on the stabilization of the Li metal electrode. In this project, by an effective integration of experimental synthesis, characterization and phase-field simulations, a new understanding will be generated on electrochemistry and deformation/failure mechanism of suppressing dendrites, including mass transport, electric potential, stress, and deformation. The research goal will be reached by working on several objectives: (1) Effect of mechanical properties of the protective layer on the suppression of Li dendrite growth; (2) Effect of ionic mass transfer behaviors of the protective layer on the stabilization of the Li metal electrode; (3) Novel protective layer on Li metal for the high-performance assembled cells. The elucidated correlation between physical and chemical properties of the protective layer, and the electrochemical processes of the electrode is expected to open pathways for the novel design and fabrication of Li metal electrodes, leading to stable and high-performance next-generation energy storage devices.This project is jointly funded by the CBET Electrochemical Systems program and the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

金属锂具有理论比能高、还原电位低的优点，被认为是替代传统石墨的下一代锂离子电池负极材料之一。然而，电极上的枝晶生长和不稳定的固体-电解质间相（SEI）形成给锂电池带来了安全问题，并阻碍了实际应用。在锂金属电极上引入人工保护层是稳定锂金属电极的有效策略，但该保护层如何与锂金属阳极的电化学过程相互作用尚不清楚。本项目将结合实验和模拟来了解保护层的物理和化学性质如何影响锂金属电极的电化学性能。所获得的基础知识将指导新型锂金属电极的开发，这些电极具有高性能和更高的安全性，可用于电动汽车和其他高能量密度的储能设备。该项目还将通过课程开发、夏令营和当地博物馆的外展活动，对研究生、本科生和K-12学生进行教育。该项目的总体目标是对导致锂金属电极稳定充放电过程的保护层的关键物理和化学性质有新的认识。目前的指导方针是不够的，该模型只考虑了保护层有限的力学性能对锂金属电极稳定性的影响。在本项目中，通过实验合成、表征和相场模拟的有效整合，将对抑制枝晶的电化学和变形/破坏机制产生新的认识，包括质量传递、电势、应力和变形。通过以下几个方面的工作来达到研究目标：(1)保护层力学性能对抑制锂枝晶生长的影响；(2)保护层离子传质行为对锂金属电极稳定性的影响；(3)高性能组装电池的新型锂金属保护层。研究表明，保护层的物理和化学性质与电极的电化学过程之间的相关性有望为新型锂金属电极的设计和制造开辟道路，从而实现稳定和高性能的下一代储能器件。该项目由CBET电化学系统计划和促进竞争研究的既定计划（EPSCoR）共同资助。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。