Approaching Microsized Alloy Anodes via Solid Electrolyte Interphase Design for Advanced Rechargeable Batteries

Abstract

Microsized alloy anodes (Si, P, Sb, Sn, Bi, etc.) with high capacity, proper working potential, high tap density, and low cost are promising for breaking the energy limits of current rechargeable batteries. Nevertheless, they suffer from large volume changes during cycling processes, posing a great challenge in maintaining a thin, dense, and intact solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Recent progress suggests that the problematic SEI layer can be turned to advantage in maintaining the integrity of microparticle anodes if well designed, which is expected to significantly boost the cyclic stability without resorting to complex electrode architectures. Advances in this attractive direction are reviewed to shed light on future development. First, the key issues of high-capacity microsized alloy anodes and the fundamentals of the SEI layer are discussed. Thereafter, progress on the regulation strategies of SEI layers in high-capacity microsized alloy anodes for advanced rechargeable batteries, including electrolyte engineering, electrode surface modification, cycle protocols, and electrode architecture design, are outlined. Finally, potential challenges and perspectives on developing high-quality SEI layers for microsized alloy anodes are proposed.

High capacity/reversible Fe/Sn alloys for Na-storage anodes enabled by thermal reaction and then anchoring on exfoliated graphite

“…The reduction peak primarily arises from the formation of a solid electrolyte film, while the oxidation peak is attributed to the decomposition of a small amount of Na 2 S, with the decomposed Na 2 S being unable to efficiently regenerate. 13,14,24,38,40 Notably, the oxidation peak at 2.75 V corresponds to the voltage plateau observed in the initial charge curve (Fig. 3c).…”

Two-dimensional MXenes for flexible energy storage devices

“…Silicon (Si) is one of the promising anodes for LIBs because of its high theoretical capacity, low working voltage, and abundant reserves. 165,166 However, the commercialization application of Si anode is limited by the following issues. (1) Large volume change during cycling processes leads to pulverization, electrical contact loss, and structure damage.…”

Enhanced lithium-ion conductivity and interficial stability of Li-IL@Fe-BDC composite polymer electrolytes for solid-state lithium metal batteries

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