A General Framework for Dendrite Issue in Mono/Multi-Valent Solid-State Batteries
Abstract
The provision of clean energy is among the most pressing societal challenges to the global economy, and poses fundamental and unresolved scientific questions. Rechargeable batteries lie at the heart of the development of clean energy technologies, and dendrites prevention plays a vital role in guaranteeing the safety and reliability of various battery systems. Current Li-ion battery technology has difficulty meeting the demanding requirements of high energy density for commercial applications (such as pure-electric vehicles) and high reliability for the military applications (such as weapons and communication tools). Metal-anode solid-state batteries is the most promising candidate to address these challenges and have the potential to deliver exceptional performance for military applications with significant enhancement of safety, notably enlargement of operating temperature range and remarkable improvement of energy density, which are all critical properties of power source for our soldiers serving long time outside in challenging environment. However, the wide application of metal-anode all-solid-state devices can be realized only if several scientific and engineering obstacles are addressed, among which the possible formation of dendrites presents the biggest challenge on safety and reliability of the battery system, especially when operating in extreme conditions (such as extended and irregular use) that our soldiers may experience frequently. The objective of the proposed research is to develop a general and robust framework identifying the chief factors controlling dendrite propagation within solid electrolytes in both monovalent and multivalent battery systems, and to provide promising strategies that can prevent dendrite in these solid-state systems. The data-computation-experiment approach will be employed, which brings together elements of fracture mechanics, thermodynamics and electro-chemistry, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of the research proposition. The house-developed modeling toolkits will be used for the fundamental understandings of different mechanisms for Li dendrites formation and propagation. Key factors will be categorized to (electro)chemical factors that only existed in Li chemistry (such as Li chemical reactions, SEI formation) and universal factors that may existed in all systems (such as mass/electron transport, microstructures, and mechanics). Li-metal solid-state batteries with solid electrolyte chemically stable against Li will be used to control the effect of universal factors and develop ?Framework v1?. This framework will further be verified with other monovalent systems (such as Na-metal SSB with SE stable against Na) and multivalent systems (such as Mg-metal SSB with SE stable against Mg). Li chemical factors will then be investigated with SE unstable against Li and "Framework v2" will be developed for dendrite prevention in Li-metal SSB. Extensive experimental and theoretical comparisons of Li chemistry and Na/Mg chemistries will be conducted to develop the final framework for the objective of the proposed research. The proposed project will address the major obstacle for a compact and reliable energy source that can withstand extreme abuse and enhance our soldiers? capability and survivability in modern battlefields. Advances in the proposed research will enable the usage of metal-anode solid-state batteries with significantly increased energy density and remarkably enhanced safety, which brings these systems to a level where they can be deployed as military utilization. In addition, Since dendrites growth is a phenomenon inherent to most metal anode (both alkali and alkali earth) battery systems, any future research into next-generation storage systems (such as multivalent batteries) will need to entail the strategies obtained in this proposed research in order to ensure the safety and reliability of their developed systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 09, 2023
- Source ID
- W911NF2310302
Entities
People
- Howard Tu
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- United States Army