Issue 23, 2023

Understanding and controlling lithium morphology in solid polymer and gel polymer systems: mechanisms, strategies, and gaps

Abstract

Lithium metal anode promises the highest theoretical energy density and may enable high energy designs such as lithium–sulfur and lithium–air batteries. However, stable lithium plating and stripping remains a challenge in all electrolyte systems including liquids, polymers, and ceramic electrolytes. In this perspective, we examine literature studies of lithium morphologies in solid polymer and gel polymer systems and compare that with well-studied liquid electrolytes. In solid polymer electrolytes, current density and mechanical properties are both governing parameters for lithium morphology, differing from conventional liquid electrolytes. Stable lithium electrodeposition may be accomplished by a polymer electrolyte with good stiffness operating at significantly lower current densities than its limiting current density, which is defined by the Sand equation. In gel polymer electrolytes, the reported lithium morphology is more similar to that in liquid electrolytes, suggesting similar nucleation and growth mechanisms. Based on experimental evidence and theoretical guidance, current strategies to control lithium morphology in solid polymer and gel polymer electrolytes are summarized. The limitations of these strategies are discussed. In particular, we note the knowledge gap in understanding the solid electrolyte interphase in solid polymer systems and the critical role it can play in regulating lithium morphologies.

Graphical abstract: Understanding and controlling lithium morphology in solid polymer and gel polymer systems: mechanisms, strategies, and gaps

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
30 May 2023
Accepted
13 Oct 2023
First published
19 Oct 2023
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Mater. Adv., 2023,4, 5867-5881

Understanding and controlling lithium morphology in solid polymer and gel polymer systems: mechanisms, strategies, and gaps

K. D. Owensby, R. Sahore, W. Tsai and X. C. Chen, Mater. Adv., 2023, 4, 5867 DOI: 10.1039/D3MA00274H

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