Improving Li Anode Reversibility in Li–S Batteries by ZnO Coated Separators Using Atomic Layer Deposition

Abstract

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are considered a very attractive alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacity and the low cost of the active materials. However, the realization of LSBs remains hostage to many challenges associated with the cathode and anode response to the electrochemical conditions inside the battery cell. While working with LSBs, elemental sulfur undergoes multielectron reduction reactions until it is reduced to Li2S. The intermediate long chain lithium-polysulfide (LiPS) species are soluble, and hence diffuse through the electrolyte solution from the cathode side to the anode. This “shuttle” phenomenon is considered to be one of the main issues of LSB. Most effort in investigating LSBs has focused on the cathode side while few have considered the importance of the lithium anode reversibility and the separator role in preventing the “shuttle” phenomenon. In the current work, we use atomic layer deposition to successfully coat a standard polypropylene separator with an additional layer of metal oxides thin film. We show that surface treatment of the separator facilitated improved electrochemical response, and suppressed the shuttling of LiPS to the anode

Improving the Performance of LiNi0.9Co0.05Mn0.05O2 via Atomic Layer Deposition of ZnxOy Coating

“…Also prolonged full cell (against graphite) cycling stability at high discharge rates such as 2 C is still questionable in the case of some of these coatings [25–28] . In this regard, we show herein that zinc oxide (Zn x O y ) coating has the advantages of improved Li‐ion conductivity and prolonged stability at high discharge rates such as 2 C in full cell format [29–32] . In this research study, we have achieved in designing a highly successful surface coating of NMC90 cathode material using the atomic layer deposition technique.…”

“…[25][26][27][28] In this regard, we show herein that zinc oxide (Zn x O y ) coating has the advantages of improved Liion conductivity and prolonged stability at high discharge rates such as 2 C in full cell format. [29][30][31][32] In this research study, we have achieved in designing a highly successful surface coating of NMC90 cathode material using the atomic layer deposition technique. We harnessed the ALD reactors to precisely regulate the thickness of the NMC90 coating.…”

Protective Al2O3 Thin Film Coating by ALD to Enhance the Anodic Stability of Metallic Current Collectors in Ethereal Mg Electrolyte Solutions

“…For instance, Al 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , AlF 3 , ZrO 2 , ZnO, etc., are among the common coating used for electrodes' protection by passivation, that improves the performance of cathodes in Li and Na batteries. [25][26][27][28][29] Thus, we also intended to focus on thin layer ALD coating on commonly used current collectors for RMBs and to study their performance in ethereal Mg electrolyte solutions.…”