Research Terms
Materials Engineering Materials Sciences
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed an inexpensive battery cell that overcomes the safety hazards, performance problems and capacity loss associated with using lithium metal as an anode electrode in lithium-ion (rechargeable) batteries. The UCF invention includes a novel semi-liquid coating that forms a stable, evenly distributed solid electrolyte interface (SEI) buffer between the electrolyte layer and the surface of the lithium metal anode.With the innovation, manufacturers now have the technology to produce next-generation energy storage devices as well as better lithium-ion batteries.
The invention comprises a battery cell with an inexpensive buffer layer (coating) and a method of applying it onto a lithium metal electrode surface. Made of a semi-liquid gallium-indium-tin eutectic alloy, the buffer forms a stable and conformal interfacial layer that deters dendritic growth and protects the electrolyte during charging/discharging cycles. Since the alloy is in a liquid state at room temperature, it can maintain good contact with the lithium metal surface. Also, by solidifying in the presence of lithium ions and liquefying in the absence of lithium ions, the SEI allows the battery to safely achieve coulombic efficiency over multiple cycles without losing capacity.
The research team is looking for partners to develop the technology for commercialization.
Prototype available.
The University of Central Florida invention describes the cell structure of an all-solid-state lithium secondary battery. The proposed design enables uniform lithium deposition to prevent the formation of dendrites. In addition, the design allows a controlled growth of lithium towards a specific direction into a designated area in the cell. The use of lithium metal anodes causes nucleation/growth of dendrites at the surface during multiple battery cycles and/or high-rate charge/discharge. These dendrites lead to micro-shorts between the cathode and the anode causing the degradation of the battery. With these distinct features of the proposed cell structure, the battery will have a prolonged lifetime with stable charge/discharge performance and controlled volumetric change of the battery cell.
Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed the following technologies that eliminate the future risk of losing limited supplies of cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) and provide a way to sustainably produce competitively priced batteries with high energy density.
