Tuning of composition and morphology of LiFePO4 cathode for applications in all solid-state lithium metal batteries

Protective Coating for Stable Cycling of Li-Metal Batteries Based on Cellulose and Single-Ion Conducting Polymer

The thermodynamically unstable interface between metallic lithium and electrolyte poses a major problem for the massive commercialization of Li-metal batteries. In this study, we propose the use of a multicomponent protective coating based on cellulose modified with dimethylthexylsilyl group (TDMSC), single-ion conducting polymer P(LiMTFSI), and LiNO3 (TDMSC-P(LiMTFSI)-LiNO3, namely PTL). The coating shows its positive effect by increasing the Coulombic efficiency in Li || Cu cells from 95.9 and 98.6% for bare Li, to >99.3% for Li coated (Li@PTL), with 1 M LiFSI in FEC:DEC and 1 M LiFSI in DME electrolyte, respectively. Symmetrical Li || Li PTL-coated cells exhibit a much more prolonged and stable cycling with a slower increase in overpotential compared to bare Li cells. Li@PTL anodes enable improved cycling of Li@PTL/LFP cells compared to noncoated cells in liquid electrolytes. In this respect, inhibition of high surface area lithium growth is confirmed through postcycling scanning electron microscopy. Remarkably, dendrite-free galvanostatic cycling is demonstrated in laboratory-scale solid-state battery cells assembled with LFP composite cathode (catholyte configuration with PEO + LiTFSI as ionically conducting binder) and a cross-linked PEO-based solid polymer electrolyte. The PTL protective coating enables improved stability of Li metal batteries in combination with smooth transport of Li+ at the electrode-electrolyte interface and homogeneous lithium coating, highlighting its promising prospects in enhancing the performance and safety of lithium metal batteries by properly tuning the synergy between the coating components.

Mn-Fe dual metal-organic framework based on trimesic acid as a high-performance electrode for lithium metal batteries

A novel Mn-Fe dual metal-organic framework (Mn-Fe-BTC DMOF) was synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method and employed as a cathode material in lithium metal batteries. The Mn-Fe-BTC DMOF exhibited a high initial capacity (1385 mA h g-1) and after 100 cycles (687 mA h g-1), demonstrating its potential for high-performance energy storage devices.

Inherent Behavior of Electrode Materials of Lithium-Ion Batteries

For independency from the fossil fuels and to save environment, we need to move toward the green energies, which requires better energy storage devices, especially for usage in electric vehicles. Li-ion and beyond-lithium insertion batteries are promising to this aim. However, they suffer from some inherent limitations which must be understood to allow their development and pave the way to find suitable energy storage alternatives. It is found that each positive or negative electrode material (cathode or anode) of the intercalation batteries has its own behavioral (charge-discharge) properties. The modification of preparation parameters (composition, loading density, porosity, particle size, etc.) may improve some aspects of the electrode performance, but cannot change the intrinsic property of the electrode itself. Accordingly, these properties are called as the "inherent behavior characteristics" of the active material. It is concluded that the behavior of a specific electrode substance, even following different preparation routes, depends only on diffusion mechanisms. This work shows that the inherent electrode properties can be visualized by representation of current density vs. capacity.

Advances in Polymer Binder Materials for Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes and Separators

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become indispensable energy-storage devices for various applications, ranging from portable electronics to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. The performance and reliability of LIBs depend on several key components, including the electrodes, separators, and electrolytes. Among these, the choice of binder materials for the electrodes plays a critical role in determining the overall performance and durability of LIBs. This review introduces polymer binders that have been traditionally used in the cathode, anode, and separator materials of LIBs. Furthermore, it explores the problems identified in traditional polymer binders and examines the research trends in next-generation polymer binder materials for lithium-ion batteries as alternatives. To date, the widespread use of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent in lithium battery electrode production has been a standard practice. However, recent concerns regarding its high toxicity have prompted increased environmental scrutiny and the imposition of strict chemical regulations. As a result, there is a growing urgency to explore alternatives that are both environmentally benign and safer for use in battery manufacturing. This pressing need is further underscored by the rising demand for diverse binder research within the lithium battery industry. In light of the current emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility, it is imperative to investigate a range of binder options that can align with the evolving landscape of green and eco-conscious battery production. In this review paper, we introduce various binder options that can align with the evolving landscape of environmentally friendly and sustainable battery production, considering the current emphasis on battery performance enhancement and environmental responsibility.