Plate-Structured Electrode-coated Zeolite Separators for Lithium-Metal Batteries

Lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) are poised to be the next generation high-energy density storage media of choice for various applications. However, they are currently plagued by failure due to dendrite propagation at high charge/discharge rates. One of the most sought-after technologies for dendrite propagation prevention in LMBs are solid state batteries, but they lack commercial feasibility due to very low room temperature ionic conductivity, electrode-separator interface problem, and high manufacturing cost.

 

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel electrode-coated zeolite separator enabling fast charging and dendrite-free lithium-metal batteries. This technology introduces a  Inorganic separator made of 2D zeolite crystals coated on the electrode. The innovative 2D structured zeolite separator improves electrolyte uptake, enhances ionic flux uniformity which minimizes dendrite formation, and retards dendrite propagation, contributing to superior safety and performance of lithium-metal batteries.