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Limon MSR, Ahmad Z. Heterogeneity in Point Defect Distribution and Mobility in Solid Ion Conductors. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:50948-50960. [PMID: 39263738 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c12128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Alkali metal anodes paired with solid ion conductors offer promising avenues for enhancing battery energy density and safety. To facilitate rapid ion transport crucial for fast charging and discharging of batteries, it is essential to understand the behavior of point defects in these conductors. In this study, we investigate the heterogeneity of defect distribution in two prototypical solid ion conductors, Li3OCl and Li2PO2N (LiPON), by quantifying the defect formation energy (DFE) as a function of distance from the surface and interface through first-principles simulations. To simulate defects at the electrode-electrolyte interface, we perform calculations of Li+ vacancy in Li3OCl near its interface with lithium metal. Our results reveal a significant difference between the bulk and surface/interface DFE which could lead to defect aggregation/depletion near the surface/interface. Interestingly, while Li3OCl has a lower surface DFE than the bulk in most cases, LiPON follows the opposite trend with a higher surface DFE compared to the bulk. Due to this difference between bulk and surface DFE, the defect density can be up to 14 orders of magnitude higher at surfaces compared to the bulk. Further, we reveal that the DFE transition from surface/interface to bulk is precisely characterized by an exponentially decaying function. By incorporating this exponential trend, we develop a revised model for the average behavior of defects in solid ion conductors that offers a more accurate description of the influence of grain sizes. Surface effects dominate for grain sizes ≲1 μm, highlighting the importance of surface defect engineering and the DFE function for accurately capturing ion transport in devices. We further explore the kinetics of defect redistribution by calculating the migration barriers for defect movement between bulk and surfaces. We find a highly asymmetric energy landscape for the lithium vacancies, exhibiting lower migration barriers for movement toward the surface compared to the bulk, while interstitial defects exhibit comparable kinetics between surface and bulk regions. These insights highlight the importance of considering both thermodynamic and kinetic factors in designing solid ion conductors for improved ion transport at surfaces and interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Salman Rabbi Limon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
| | - Zeeshan Ahmad
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas 79409, United States
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Marana NL, Silveri F, de Oliveira Gomes E, Donà L, D'Amore M, Ascrizzi E, Sgroi MF, Maschio L, Ferrari AM. A computational study of the negative LiIn modified anode and its interaction with β-Li 3PS 4 solid-electrolyte for battery applications. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:15648-15656. [PMID: 38764425 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00102h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) have sparked interest due to their far superior energy density compared to current commercial material, but the heightened reactivity of the negative Li electrode can compromise the long-term cyclability of the cell, calling for the introduction of passivating layers or alloy anodes. In this article, we aim to explain the outstanding stability of LiIn alloy-based anodes over extended cycling by comparing its bulk and interface properties to Li-metal. Using density functional theory, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the LiIn surfaces' formation and subsequent structural stability in interfaces with the solid electrolyte β-Li3PS4. Several LiIn facets are shown to possess sufficient structural stability, with the (110) surface being the most stable. The stable interfaces established with the β-Li3PS4(100) surface featured favorable adhesion energy, low strain energy, and little reconstruction. By comparing these interface properties with the bulk properties of Li-metal and LiIn, we highlighted the influence of the cohesion energy, Fermi energy level, and band position of the two materials in the long-term stability of their anodes under battery conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabrizio Silveri
- Chemistry Department, University of Torino, via P.Giuria 5, 10125 Torino, Italy.
- Gemmate Technologies s.r.l., Buttigliera Alta, Torino 10090, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Donà
- Chemistry Department, University of Torino, via P.Giuria 5, 10125 Torino, Italy.
| | - Maddalena D'Amore
- Chemistry Department, University of Torino, via P.Giuria 5, 10125 Torino, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Ascrizzi
- Chemistry Department, University of Torino, via P.Giuria 5, 10125 Torino, Italy.
| | | | - Lorenzo Maschio
- Chemistry Department, University of Torino, via P.Giuria 5, 10125 Torino, Italy.
| | - Anna Maria Ferrari
- Chemistry Department, University of Torino, via P.Giuria 5, 10125 Torino, Italy.
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Yoon JS, Liao DW, Greene SM, Cho TH, Dasgupta NP, Siegel DJ. Thermodynamics, Adhesion, and Wetting at Li/Cu(-Oxide) Interfaces: Relevance for Anode-Free Lithium-Metal Batteries. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:18790-18799. [PMID: 38587488 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c19034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
A rechargeable battery that employs a Li metal anode requires that Li be plated in a uniform fashion during charging. In "anode-free" configurations, this plating will occur on the surface of the Cu current collector (CC) during the initial cycle and in any subsequent cycle where the capacity of the cell is fully accessed. Experimental measurements have shown that the plating of Li on Cu can be inhomogeneous, which can lower the efficiency of plating and foster the formation of Li dendrites. The present study employs a combination of first-principles calculations and sessile drop experiments to characterize the thermodynamics and adhesive (i.e., wetting) properties of interfaces involving Li and other phases present on or near the CC. Interfaces between Li and Cu, Cu2O, and Li2O are considered. The calculations predict that both Cu and Cu2O surfaces are lithiophilic. However, sessile drop measurements reveal that Li wetting occurs readily only on pristine Cu. This apparent discrepancy is explained by the occurrence of a spontaneous conversion reaction, 2 Li + Cu2O → Li2O + 2 Cu, that generates Li2O as one of its products. Calculations and sessile drop measurements show that Li does not wet (newly formed) Li2O. Hence, Li that is deposited on a Cu CC where surface oxide species are present will encounter a compositionally heterogeneous substrate comprising lithiophillic (Cu) and lithiophobic (Li2O) regions. These initial heterogeneities have the potential to influence the longer-term behavior of the anode under cycling. In sum, the present study provides insights into the early stage processes associated with Li plating in anode-free batteries and describes mechanisms that contribute to inefficiencies in their operation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Seop Yoon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Daniel W Liao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Samuel M Greene
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-1591, United States
| | - Tae H Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Neil P Dasgupta
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, 2350 Hayward Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Donald J Siegel
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and Texas Materials Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-1591, United States
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-1591, United States
- Texas Materials Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712-1591, United States
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Sanchez AJ, Dasgupta NP. Lithium Metal Anodes: Advancing our Mechanistic Understanding of Cycling Phenomena in Liquid and Solid Electrolytes. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:4282-4300. [PMID: 38335271 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Lithium metal anodes have the potential to be a disruptive technology for next-generation batteries with high energy densities, but their electrochemical performance is limited by a lack of fundamental understanding into the mechanistic origins that underpin their poor reversibility, morphological evolution (including dendrite growth), and interfacial instability. The goal of this perspective is to summarize the current state-of-the-art understanding of these phenomena, and highlight knowledge gaps where additional research is needed. The various stages of cycling are described sequentially, including nucleation, growth, open-circuit rest periods, and electrodissolution (stripping). A direct comparison of lessons learned from liquid and solid-state electrolyte systems is made throughout the discussion, providing cross-cutting insights between these research communities. Major themes of the discussion include electro-chemo-mechanical coupling, insights from in situ/operando analysis, and the interplay between experimental observations and computational modeling. Finally, a series of fundamental research questions are proposed to identify critical knowledge gaps and inform future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J Sanchez
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Neil P Dasgupta
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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Dutra AC, Dawson JA. Computational Design of Antiperovskite Solid Electrolytes. THE JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. C, NANOMATERIALS AND INTERFACES 2023; 127:18256-18270. [PMID: 37752904 PMCID: PMC10518865 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c04953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
In the face of the current climate emergency and the performance, safety, and cost limitations current state-of-art Li-ion batteries present, solid-state batteries are widely anticipated to revolutionize energy storage. The heart of this technology lies in the substitution of liquid electrolytes with solid counterparts, resulting in potential critical advantages, such as higher energy density and safety profiles. In recent years, antiperovskites have become one of the most studied solid electrolyte families for solid-state battery applications as a result of their salient advantages, which include high ionic conductivity, structural versatility, low cost, and stability against metal anodes. This Review highlights the latest progress in the computational design of Li- and Na-based antiperovskite solid electrolytes, focusing on critical topics for their development, including high-throughput screening for novel compositions, synthesizability, doping, ion transport mechanisms, grain boundaries, and electrolyte-electrode interfaces. Moreover, we discuss the remaining challenges facing these materials and provide our perspective on their possible future advances and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C.
C. Dutra
- Chemistry
− School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K.
| | - James A. Dawson
- Chemistry
− School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K.
- Centre
for Energy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1
7RU, U.K.
- The
Faraday Institution, Didcot OX11 0RA, U.K.
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Xu H, Zhu Q, Zhao Y, Du Z, Li B, Yang S. Phase-Changeable Dynamic Conformal Electrode/electrolyte Interlayer enabling Pressure-Independent Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2212111. [PMID: 36813267 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202212111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Lithium-metal-based solid-state batteries (Li-SSBs) are one of the most promising energy storage devices due to their high energy densities. However, under insufficient pressure constraints (<MPa-level), Li-SSBs usually exhibit poor electrochemical performances owing to the continuous interfacial degradation between the solid-state electrolyte (SSE) and electrodes. Herein, a phase-changeable interlayer is developed to construct the self-adhesive and dynamic conformal electrode/SSE contact in Li-SSBs. The strong adhesive and cohesive strengths of the phase-changeable interlayer enable Li-SSBs to resist up to 250 N pulling force (=1.9 MPa), affording Li-SSBs ideal interfacial integrality even without extra stack pressure. Remarkably, this interlayer exhibits a high ionic conductivity of 1.3 × 10-3 S cm-1 , attributed to the shortened steric solvation hindrance and optimized Li+ coordination structure. Furthermore, the changeable phase property of the interlayer endows Li-SSBs with a healable Li/SSE interface, accommodating the stress-strain evolution of the lithium metal and constructing the dynamic conformal interface. Consequently, the contact impedance of the modified solid symmetric cell exhibits a pressure-independent manner and does not increase over 700 h (0.2 MPa). The LiFePO4 pouch cell with the phase-changeable interlayer shows 85% capacity retention after 400 cycles at a low pressure of 0.1 MPa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfei Xu
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhiguo Du
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Bin Li
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shubin Yang
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
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Issues Concerning Interfaces with Inorganic Solid Electrolytes in All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14159090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
All-solid-state batteries have attracted wide attention for high-performance and safe batteries. The combination of solid electrolytes and lithium metal anodes makes high-energy batteries practical for next-generation high-performance devices. However, when a solid electrolyte replaces the liquid electrolyte, many different interface/interphase issues have arisen from the contact with electrodes. Poor wettability and unstable chemical/electrochemical reaction at the interfaces with lithium metal anodes will lead to poor lithium diffusion kinetics and combustion of fresh lithium and active materials in the electrolyte. Element cross-diffusion and charge layer formation at the interfaces with cathodes also impede the lithium ionic conductivity and increase the charge transfer resistance. The abovementioned interface issues hinder the electrochemical performance of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries. This review demonstrates the formation and mechanism of these interface issues between solid electrolytes and anodes/cathodes. Aiming to address the problems, we review and propose modification strategies to weaken interface resistance and improve the electrochemical performance of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries.
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Lowe JS, Siegel DJ. Modeling the Interface between Lithium Metal and Its Native Oxide. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:46015-46026. [PMID: 32929961 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c12468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Owing to their high theoretical capacities, batteries that employ lithium (Li) metal as the negative electrode are attractive technologies for next-generation energy storage. However, the successful implementation of lithium metal batteries is limited by several factors, many of which can be traced to an incomplete understanding of surface phenomena involving the Li anode. Here, first-principles calculations are used to characterize the native oxide layer on Li, including several properties associated with the Li/lithium oxide (Li2O) interface. Multiple interface models are examined; the models account for differing interface (chemical) terminations and degrees of atomic ordering (i.e., crystalline vs amorphous). The interfacial energy, formation energy, and strain energies are predicted for these models. The amorphous interface yields the lowest interfacial formation energy, suggesting that it is the most probable model under equilibrium conditions. The work of adhesion is evaluated for the crystalline interfaces, and it is found that the O-terminated interface exhibits a work of adhesion more than 30 times larger than that of the Li-terminated model, implying that Li will strongly wet an oxygen-rich Li2O surface. The electronic structure of the interfaces is characterized using Voronoi charge analysis and shifts in the Li 1s binding energies. The width of the Li/Li2O interface, as determined by deviations from bulklike charges and binding energies, extends beyond the region exhibiting interfacial structural distortions. Finally, the transport of Li ions through the amorphous oxide is quantified using ab initio molecular dynamics. Facile transport of Li+ through the native oxide is observed. Thus, increasing the percentage of amorphous Li2O in the solid electrolyte interphase may be beneficial for battery performance. In total, the phenomena quantified here will aid in the optimization of batteries that employ high-capacity Li metal anodes.
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Zhang Y, Viswanathan V. Not All Fluorination Is the Same: Unique Effects of Fluorine Functionalization of Ethylene Carbonate for Tuning Solid-Electrolyte Interphase in Li Metal Batteries. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:11450-11466. [PMID: 32914986 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c01652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Li metal batteries (LMBs) are crucial for electrifying transportation and aviation. Engineering electrolytes to form desired solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) is one of the most promising approaches to enable stable long-lasting LMBs. Among the liquid electrolytes explored, fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) has seen great success in leading to desirable SEI properties for enabling stable cycling of LMBs. Given the many facets to desirable SEI properties, numerous descriptors and mechanisms have been proposed. To build a detailed mechanistic understanding, we analyze varying degrees of fluorination of the same prototype molecule, chosen to be ethylene carbonate (EC) to tease out the interfacial reactivity at the Li metal/electrolyte. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we study the effect of mono-, di-, tri-, and tetra-fluorine substitutions of EC on its reactivity with Li surface facets in the presence and absence of Li salt. We find that the formation of LiF at the early stage of SEI formation, posited as a desirable SEI component, depends on the F-abstraction mechanism rather than the number of fluorine substitution. The best illustrations of this are cis- and trans-difluoro ECs, where F-abstraction is spontaneous with the trans case, while the cis case needs to overcome a nonzero energy barrier. Using a Pearson correlation map, we find that the extent of initial chemical decomposition quantified by the associated reaction free energy is linearly correlated with the charge transferred from the Li surface and the number of covalent-like bonds formed at the surface. The effect of salt and the surface facet have a much weaker role in determining the decompositions at the immediate electrolyte/electrode interfaces. Putting all of this together, we find that tetra-FEC could act as a high-performing SEI modifier as it leads to a more homogeneous, denser LiF-containing SEI. Using this methodology, future investigations will explore -CF3 functionalization and other backbone molecules (linear carbonates).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3815, United States
| | - Venkatasubramanian Viswanathan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3815, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-3815, United States
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