Correcting anode-free cell failure to enable higher-energy-density batteries

Correcting anode-free cell failure to enable higher-energy-density batteries
A comparison between anode-free and lithium-ion cells. A) anode-free (left) and Li-ion pouch cell (right). B) Schematic of NMC532 Li-ion cell with respective energy densities at the stack level. C) anode-free cell with respective energy density at the stack level. D) Illustration of Li-ion (blue) and anode-free (purple) battery packs made with the same number of cells and cost E) Illustration of Li-ion (blue) and anode-free (purple) battery packs made for the same range of vehicles. Credit: Louli et al.

Batteries with high energy densities could enable the creation of a wider range of electric vehicles, including flying vehicles that can transport humans in urban environments. Past studies predict that to support the operation of vehicles capable of take-off and landing, batteries require energy densities of approximately 400 Wh kg-1 at the cell level, which is approximately 30% higher than the energy density of most existing lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells.

In addition to powering flying vehicles, high-energy (i.e., single units within a battery that convert chemical into ) could increase the distance that electric cars can travel before they need to be charged again. They may also reduce overall fabrication costs for electric vehicles, as similar results could be achieved using fewer but better-performing cells.

Anode-free lithium metal cells are particularly promising for creating batteries with higher energy densities. While they use the same cathode as Li-ion cells, these cells store energy via an electroplated lithium metal instead of a graphite host, and they can have energy densities that are 60% greater than those of Li-ion cells.

Despite their high , anode-free lithium metal cells typically have a lower capacity and short life cycles. This is primarily due to the fact that they derive all their lithium from the positive electrode and use no excess lithium. In addition, their safety has not yet been confirmed in experimental settings.

Researchers at Dalhousie University in Canada have been exploring ways in which the limitations of anode-free lithium metal cells could be circumvented or overcome. In a recent paper published in Nature Energy, they investigated the failure of anode-free cells they developed and proposed a possible solution that could prolong their' life cycle. Their paper is based on one of their previous works in which they explored the use of dual-salt carbonate electrolytes to extend the lifetime of anode-free lithium metal cells.

"Recently, we demonstrated long-lifetime, anode-free cells using a dual-salt carbonate electrolyte," the researchers wrote in their paper. "Here, we characterize the degradation of anode-free cells with this lean (2.6 g Ah-1) liquid electrolyte."

The researchers used two techniques, scanning and X-ray tomography, to identify the cause of failure in the anode-free cells they created. Their findings revealed that the morphology of the cells deteriorated over time.

They then investigated this deterioration further using two additional techniques: nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and ultrasonic transmission mapping. Their findings suggested that the cause for the deterioration of the inside the cells was the electrolyte, which became damaged and depleted over time.

In addition to investigating the reasons for the failure of the anode-free cells they created, the researchers carried out tests evaluating their safety. The observations they collected throughout their study allowed them to devise an electrolyte that optimizes the performance of their cells and extends their lifetime up to 200 cycles.

While the developed by the researchers is a significant step forward in the development of high- batteries with longer lifetimes, for anode-free batteries to be implemented in real-world settings, these lifetimes would need to be extended further, as they are still not as good as those of more traditional batteries. In their next studies, the researchers will thus continue exploring ways in which they can significantly increase their cells' lifetime.

More information: Diagnosing and correcting anode-free cell failure via electrolyte and morphological analysis. Nature Energy (2020). DOI: 10.1038/s41560-020-0668-8.

Journal information: Nature Energy

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Citation: Correcting anode-free cell failure to enable higher-energy-density batteries (2020, September 4) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://techxplore.com/news/2020-09-anode-free-cell-failure-enable-higher-energy-density.html
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