Lithium-Ion Transport through Complex Interphases in Lithium Metal Batteries.

Lithium metal is one of the best anode candidates for next-generation batteries. However, there are still many unknowns regarding the structure and properties of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed due to electron transfer reactions between the Li metal surface and the electrolyte. In addition, because of the difficulties to study amorphous and dynamic phases and interphases, there are many questions about the ion diffusion mechanism through complex multicomponent materials and interphases.

Solvation surface charge transfer: an interfacial chemistry game drives cation motion.

Electrolyte structure and ion solvation dynamics determine ionic conductivities, and ion (de)solvation processes dominate interfacial chemistry and electrodeposition barriers. We elucidate electrolyte effects facilitating or impeding Li+ diffusion and deposition, and evaluate structural and energetic changes during the solvation complex pathway from the bulk to the anode surface.

Insights into lithium ion deposition on lithium metal surfaces.

Lithium metal is among the most promising anodes for the next generation of batteries due to its high theoretical energy density and high capacity. Challenges such as extreme reactivity and lithium dendrite formation have kept lithium metal anodes away from practical applications. However, the underlying mechanisms of Li ion deposition from the electrolyte solution onto the anode surface are still poorly understood due to their inherent complexity.

Effects of Solid Electrolyte Interphase Components on the Reduction of LiFSI over Lithium Metal.

The use of a lithium metal anode still presents a challenging chemistry and engineering problem that holds back next generation lithium battery technology. One of the issues facing lithium metal is the presence of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer that forms on the electrode creating a variety of chemical species that change the properties of the electrode and is closely related to the formation and growth of lithium dendrites. In order to advance the scientific progress of lithium metal more must be understood about the fundamentals of the SEI.

Role of Inorganic Surface Layer on Solid Electrolyte Interphase Evolution at Li-Metal Anodes.

Lithium metal is an ideal anode for rechargeable lithium-battery technology. However, the extreme reactivity of Li metal with electrolytes leads to solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers that often impede Li transport across interfaces. The challenge is to predict the chemical, structural, and topographical heterogeneities of SEI layers arising from a multitude of interfacial constituents.