Low-temperature and high-rate-charging lithium metal batteries enabled by an electrochemically active monolayer-regulated interface

Journal Article · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 2020 · Nature Energy

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-020-0640-7· OSTI ID:1643792

Gao, Yue; Rojas, Tomas; Wang, Ke; Liu, Shuai; Wang, Daiwei; Chen, Tianhang; Ngo, Anh T.; Wang, Donghai

Stable operation of rechargeable lithium (Li)-based batteries at low temperatures is important for cold-climate applications but is plagued with dendritic Li plating and unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). Here we report high-performance Li-metal batteries under low-temperature and high-rate-charging conditions. This is realized by utilizing a self-assembled monolayer of electrochemically active molecules on current collectors that regulates the nanostructure and composition of Li metal anode SEI and Li deposition morphology. A multilayer SEI containing a LiF-rich inner phase and amorphous outer layer effectively seals the Li surface in contrast to the conventional impassive SEI at low temperatures. Consequently, galvanic Li corrosion and self-discharge were suppressed; stable Li deposition was realized from -60º to 45ºC; and a Li|LiCoO2 cell with a capacity of 2.0 mAh cm-2 displayed a 200-cycle life at -15ºC with a recharge time of 45 minutes.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) - Office of Vehicle Technologies (VTO)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-06CH11357
• OSTI ID: 1643792
• Journal Information: Nature Energy, Journal Name: Nature Energy Vol. 5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English