Safer solid‐state lithium metal batteries: Mechanisms and strategies

Abstract

Solid‐state batteries that employ solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) to replace routine liquid electrolytes are considered to be one of the most promising solutions for achieving high‐safety lithium metal batteries. SSEs with high mechanical modulus, thermal stability, and non‐flammability can not only inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites but also enhance the safety of lithium metal batteries. However, several internal materials/electrodes‐related thermal hazards demonstrated by recent works show that solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) are not impenetrable. Therefore, understanding the potential thermal hazards of SSLMBs is critical for their more secure and widespread applications. In this contribution, we provide a comprehensive overview of the thermal failure mechanism of SSLMBs from materials to devices. Also, strategies to improve the thermal safety performance of SSLMBs are included from the view of material enhancement, battery design, and external management. Consequently, the future directions are further provided. We hope that this work can shed bright insights into the path of constructing energy storage devices with high energy density and safety.image

Revolutionizing energy storage: exploring the nanoscale frontier of all-solid-state batteries

“…The initial SSB was invented before the advent of liquid-electrolyte-based batteries. [20][21][22][23][24][25] This table is a concise summary of the historical progression of SSBs and the advancement of solid electrolytes. Fig.…”

“…Carbon nanotubes link active chemicals and create electrically conductive networks. [20][21][22][23][24][25] Effective nanotechnology for SSB cathodes remains a challenge. By restricting carrier mobility at the cathode-electrolyte contact, the thick coating layer increases the charge transfer resistance.…”

“…The core–shell nano-structured LiVS 2 @Li 2 S cathode retains 80% of its capacity after 1000 cycles. 21 This cathode inhibits Li 2 S and Li 5.5 PS 4.5 Cl 1.5 from interacting directly. Despite cycle volume changes, the nano-cathode remained steady.…”

Constructing a robust artificial solid electrolyte interphase with a metal–organic framework for a stable Li metal anode

“…1–3 While the current lithium-ion batteries with graphite anodes are approaching their theoretical limit, 4–6 lithium metal is regarded as the “holy grail” of high energy density battery anode materials due to its unparalleled specific capacity (3860 mA h g −1 ) and low redox potential (−3.04 V vs. SHE). 7–11 Furthermore, utilizing a lithium metal anode (LMA) expands the range of applicable cathode materials from lithium-rich layered cathodes (such as LiFePO 4 , LiCoO 2 , and LiNi x Co y Mn 1− x − y O 2 ) to lithium-free conversion cathodes (such as sulfur and air), enabling different types of lithium batteries. 12 However, inherent issues such as surface dendrite growth on hostless lithium metal and infinite volume changes result in short lifetimes and safety risks that significantly impede its practical application.…”