New Solid Electrolytes and "All-Solid-State" Lithium Batteries

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

In the late 60's, a vast study was undertaken in search of Li+ ion conducting solids with potential use as electrolytes in rechargeable batteries. With the important conductivity improvements obtained in organic or polymer electrolytes, ceramics were then less investigated. However, with today's development of new systems like Li sulphur, Li-air or "all-solid-state" batteries, the discovery of new solid ionic conductors are mandatory to overpass some limitations of these technologies. The use of highly conductive membranes is necessary to physically separate the two sides of the cell (positive and negative electrode) due to chemical incompatibilities, especially when Li metal is involved. The proposed program aims to investigate new Li+ ion solid electrolytes, going from the synthesis to their complete characterization, and to consider their integration in the development of "all-solid-state" lithium batteries. This research area is recognized as one of the major priorities by the US DOE's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, which granted several related projects these last 3 years. While most of the investigations consider improvements of already existing materials, this research program will focus on the research of new materials by different original methodologies, which have proved to be effective in many fields but not yet for battery materials.***Some of the most promising solid electrolytes will then be considered to be integrated in "all-solid-state" Li-ion batteries. This technology presents great advantages in comparison to standard Li-ion technology using liquid electrolyte, especially regarding safety issues. The principal remaining challenge of this technology is addressed in this program and aims in developing composite electrodes, which are multi-functional materials with tailored mechanical, electrical and electrochemical properties. Combining these properties with high energy densities and long cycle life require investigating the electrode formulation, the processing as well as the interface evolution upon operation.***This research program involves multi-disciplinary consideration and it is rooted in basic understanding which will enable developing improved materials and devices. The targeted aspects of this program are to acquire basic knowledge, which will offer important breakthroughs to develop the next-generation batteries.