Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) combining a Li metal anode with a transition metal (TM) cathode can achieve higher practical energy densities (Wh L−1) than Li/S or Li/O2 cells. Research for improving the electrochemical behavior of the Li metal anode by, for example, modifying the liquid electrolyte is often conducted in symmetrical Li/Li or Li/Cu cells. This study now demonstrates the influence of the TM cathode on the Li metal anode, thus full cell behavior is analyzed in a way not considered so far in research with LMBs. Therefore, the deposition/dissolution behavior of Li metal and the resulting morphology is investigated with three different cathode materials (LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2, and LiFePO4) by post mortem analysis with a scanning electron microscope. The observed large differences of the Li metal morphology are ascribed to the dissolution and crossover of TMs found deposited on Li metal and in the electrolyte by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and total reflection X‐ray fluorescence analysis. To support this correlation, the TM dissolution is simulated by adding Mn salt to the electrolyte. This study offers new insights into the cross talk between the Li metal anodes and TM cathodes, which is essential, when investigating Li metal electrodes for LMB full cells.
Lithium metal batteries
are gaining increasing attention due to
their potential for significantly higher theoretical energy density
than conventional lithium ion batteries. Here, we present a novel
mechanochemical modification method for lithium metal anodes, involving
roll-pressing the lithium metal foil in contact with ionic liquid-based
solutions, enabling the formation of an artificial solid electrolyte
interphase with favorable properties such as an improved lithium ion
transport and, most importantly, the suppression of dendrite growth,
allowing homogeneous electrodeposition/-dissolution using conventional
and highly conductive room temperature alkyl carbonate-based electrolytes.
As a result, stable cycling in symmetrical Li∥Li cells is achieved
even at a high current density of 10 mA cm
–2
. Furthermore,
the rate capability and the capacity retention in NMC∥Li cells
are significantly improved.
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