Liquid lithium metal processing into ultrathin metal anodes for solid state batteries

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Kay Schönherr - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Benjamin Schumm - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Felix Hippauf - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Robin Lissy - , Chair of Inorganic Chemistry I, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Holger Althues - , Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Christoph Leyens - , Chair of Materials Technology, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)
  • Stefan Kaskel - , Chair of Inorganic Chemistry I, Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology (Author)

Abstract

Lithium metal anodes are among the most promising candidates for further increasing the energy density of lithium ion batteries and all-solid-state batteries. A reduction of the anode thickness by using ultrathin lithium metal films is a crucial requirement to achieve a significant overall reduction of thickness on cell level. However, besides anode stabilization, realizing scalable technologies for an efficient production of thin lithium metal anodes is one of the most challenging obstacles for the success of various next-generation battery chemistries. In this publication we introduce a disruptive lithium melt deposition process for thin lithium metal coating on thin copper current collector foils. The wetting of molten lithium on the substrate can only be achieved through a lithiophilic interlayer. As a result fast and homogeneous lithium spreading on the substrate is enabled allowing roll-to-roll coating with liquid-deposition technologies as demonstrated in this contribution with a speed of several meters per minute and reaching 100 mm width. With this new process the anode thickness can be tuned in a wide range (1–30 µm). Evaluation in a prototype solid battery system shows high electrochemical lithium utilization and no detrimental effects compared to commercially available lithium reference foils.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number100218
Journal Chemical engineering journal advances
Volume9
Issue number9
Publication statusPublished - 15 Mar 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Mendeley 2661084d-ba59-3ba7-85a5-45a285bb0a97

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • All-solid-state battery, Lithium deposition, Lithium ion battery, Lithium metal anode