Solid-state Li-ion batteries utilize a solid-state electrolyte, which has significantly improved safety as compared to current commercial Li-ion batteries, as the ceramic electrolyte is inflammable, as well as the ability to operate at greater voltage and thus obtain higher energy density. Through this project, UMERC researchers are developing new material structures to improve cyclability, coulumbic efficiency, and provide higher energy and power density. Advancements in solid-state Lithium-ion battery technology will improve fuel efficiency of plug-in electric vehicles and reduce their costs.
The above SEM micrograph shows the triple layer microstructure made out of a lithium conducting ceramic electrolyte, which acts as the core architecture of our solid-state lithium batteries. It is the ability to create this unique structure which enables the high performance batteries our lab creates.
We are also exploring more complex solid electrolyte microstructures through the use of our high-precision, multifunctional 3D printer (click here for more info). This video shows a recording of the printing process as columns of a ceramic electrolyte slurry are printed onto a substrate of the same material. The final sintered structure maintains its shape, as shown in the following SEM image.
Publications
“Flexible, Solid-State Lithium Ion-conducting Membrane with 3D Garnet Nanofiber Networks,” K. Fu, Y. Gong, J. Dai, A. Gong, X. Han, Y. Yao, Y. Wang, C. Wang, Y. Chen, C. Yan, E.D. Wachsman, and L. Hu, Journal of the American Chemical Society, 113 (26) 7094-7099 (2016).
“Negating Interfacial Impedance in Garnet-Based Solid-State Li-Metal Batteries,” X. Han, Y. Gong, X. He, G.T. Hitz, J. Dai, K. Xu, Y. Mo, V. Thangadurai, E.D. Wachsman, and L. Hu, Nature Materials, submitted
“Lithium Ion Conductivity and Thermodynamic Activity of Li2O of Li0.23La0.61TiO3,” S-Y. Jeon, H-N. Im, D-K. Lim, E.D. Wachsman, and S-J. Song, Journal of Materials Science, submitted
“Improving Ionic Conductivity of NASICON Through Aliovalent Cation Substitution of Na3Zr2Si2PO12,” A.G. Jolley, G. Cohn, G.T. Hitz, and E.D Wachsman, Ionics, 21, 3031-3038 (2015).
“Structural Investigation of Monoclinic-Rhombohedral Phase Transition in Na3Zr2Si2PO12 and Doped NASICON,” A.G. Jolley, D.D. Taylor, N.J. Schreiber, and E.D Wachsman, J. American Ceramic Soc., 98, 2902-2907 (2015).
“Effect of Excess Li on the Structural and Electrical Properties of Garnet-Type Li6La3Ta1.5O0.5O12,” S. Narayanan, G.T. Hitz, E.D Wachsman, and V. Thangadurai, Journal of the Electrochemical Society, 162, A1771-1777 (2015).
“Higher Conductivity Li-Garnets by a Multi-Element Doping Strategy,” X. Tong, V. Thangadurai, and E.D Wachsman, Inorganic Chem., 54, 3600-3607 (2015).
“Free-Standing Na2/3Fe1/2Mn1/2O2@Graphene Film for a Sodium-Ion Battery Cathode” H. Zhu, K.T. Lee, G.T. Hitz, X. Han, Y. Li, J. Wan, S. Lacey, A.W. Cresce, K. Xu, E.D Wachsman and L. Hu, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 6, 4242-4247 (2014).
“Highly Li-Stuffed Garnet-Type Structured Li7+xLa3Zr2-xYxO12” G.T. Hitz, E.D Wachsman, and V. Thangadurai, J. Electrochem. Soc., 160, A1248-A1255, (2013).
