Understanding and controlling lithium morphology in solid polymer and gel polymer systems: mechanisms, strategies, and gaps

Kyra D. Owensby, Ritu Sahore, Wan Yu Tsai, X. Chelsea Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Lithium metal anode promises the highest theoretical energy density and may enable high energy designs such as lithium-sulfur and lithium-air batteries. However, stable lithium plating and stripping remains a challenge in all electrolyte systems including liquids, polymers, and ceramic electrolytes. In this perspective, we examine literature studies of lithium morphologies in solid polymer and gel polymer systems and compare that with well-studied liquid electrolytes. In solid polymer electrolytes, current density and mechanical properties are both governing parameters for lithium morphology, differing from conventional liquid electrolytes. Stable lithium electrodeposition may be accomplished by a polymer electrolyte with good stiffness operating at significantly lower current densities than its limiting current density, which is defined by the Sand equation. In gel polymer electrolytes, the reported lithium morphology is more similar to that in liquid electrolytes, suggesting similar nucleation and growth mechanisms. Based on experimental evidence and theoretical guidance, current strategies to control lithium morphology in solid polymer and gel polymer electrolytes are summarized. The limitations of these strategies are discussed. In particular, we note the knowledge gap in understanding the solid electrolyte interphase in solid polymer systems and the critical role it can play in regulating lithium morphologies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5867-5881
Number of pages15
JournalMaterials Advances
Volume4
Issue number23
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 19 2023

Funding

This research was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for the Vehicle Technologies Office's Advanced Battery Materials Research Program (Simon Thompson and Tien Duong, Program Manager).

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