Tellurene-based interlayers to stabilize all-solid-state-batteries

Background

As the demand for sustainable energy storage solutions grows during the advancement of portable electronics and electric vehicles, there is a pressing need for enhanced energy storage systems. All-solid-state-batteries (ASSB) using solid-state electrolytes (SSE) are a promising solution for energy storage due to their high energy-density capabilities. However, the widescale adoption of SSE’s has been limited by their challenges with dendrite formation, low Li-ion conductivity, and poor interfacial compatibility with lithium metal. A practical approach to increasing ionic conductivity is with low-cost argyrodite-type SSEs like Li₆PS₅Cl (LPSCl). However, it still faces challenges with interfacial stability.

Technology overview

This invention utilizes 2D tellurene to form novel stabilizing layer for the lithium anode-SSE interface, addressing key challenges associated with dendrite growth and lithium decomposition. The fabrication process involves coating a conventional battery separator with 2D tellurene and mechanically rolling it against a lithium metal anode, forming a thin yet stable artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). This bilayer SEI, comprising thermodynamically equilibrium Li₂Te and intermediate LiTe₃, mitigates SSE decomposition and prevents pore growth and dendrite formation during electrochemical testing. The bilayer’s efficacy is demonstrated with high capacity retention and cycling stability over long-term cycling.

Benefits

• The stabilized solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) effectively mitigates the decomposition of the solid-state electrolyte (SSE) and prevents pore growth and dendrite formation in the lithium metal anode, enhancing battery safety.
• The tunable reactivity approach with 2D tellurene can be applied to various ASSB architectures and cathode materials, offering versatility in battery design and optimization.
• Improved battery performance is demonstrated by stable symmetrical cell cycling for 300 cycles at 1 mA cm^-2 (3 mAh cm^-2) and high capacity retention in ASSBs (95.4% retention after 400 cycles).

Applications

• All-solid-state battery (ASSB) manufacturing
• Lithium-ion battery manufacturing

Publication

“Tuned reactivity at the lithium metal–argyrodite solid state electrolyte interphase” (https://doi.org/10.1002/aenm.202301338)

Opportunity

• This novel tellurene-based SEI design addresses key challenges in ASSB’s, including dendrite formation and lithium anode stability.
• Improved ASSB performance with 95.4% capacity retention after 400 cycles
• PCT/US2024/029911 to nationalize by Nov 17, 2025
• https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2024238908A2/en
• Available for exclusive license