August

Picture of the month - August 2023

Mitigating Contact Loss in Li₆PS₅Cl-Based Solid-State Batteries Using a thin Polymer Coating on NCM

Lithium solid-state batteries (SSBs) using inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs), such as thiophosphate-based solid electrolytes, stand at the forefront of innovations that enhance battery safety and performance for electric vehicles and large-scale applications. High-nickel ternary LiNi_1−x−yCo_xMn_yO₂ (NCM) is a great cathode active material owing to its high energy density and low cost. However, Challenges include capacity fading induced by interface degradation and particle cracking when NCM is contacted with ISEs. Addressing this, research efforts are focused on enhancing interfacial stability through surface modifications, specifically employing polymer-based coatings on NCM via the spray drying method. Polymers have excellent binding capability leading to a stable coating layer and mitigate contact loss. The deployment of spray drying as an innovative method to achieve a uniform and thin polymer coating on NCM is particularly promising for large-scale applications. Polymer coatings serve as protective layers, mitigating contact loss at the NCM/ISE interface, and hold promise for large-scale applications.

This picture was submitted by Bing-Xuan Shi, group of Dr. Felix Richter.

Further insights into the research activities of the ZfM groups can be found in the Gallery.