Electrodeposition as a Powerful Tool for the Fabrication and Characterization of Next-Generation Anodes for Sodium Ion Rechargeable Batteries

Abstract

As the number of markets, as well as the overall market size, for rechargeable batteries continues to grow, it is clear that there is no one perfect battery to suit every application. In the best case, we would have batteries that store a very large amount of energy per unit mass or volume (energy density), can charge and discharge very quickly (power density), can cycle many times with very low loss of efficiency (cycle life), and are safe. Ideally, such a battery would be made from Earth-abundant, recyclable, sustainably mined or made materials, and could be scaled using inexpensive, safe manufacturing. There is, as of now, no such battery. Because we do not have a battery that is one size fits all, the wide range of potential applications for energy storage is a significant driving force for discovering and implementing a diversity of new battery chemistries to meet a wide range of requirements. In this Interface article, we describe the use of electrodeposition as a synthesis method for battery materials to enable and accelerate the design, understanding, and optimization of electrodes for sodium ion and sodium metal rechargeable batteries for applications where cost is more important than the overall weight of the battery.

Spontaneous solid electrolyte interface formation in uncycled sodium half-cell batteries: using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to explore the pre-passivation of sodium metal by fluoroethylene carbonate before potentials are applied

“…23 Following our previous work, electrodeposited Cu 2 Sb anode material was used so SEI species can be observed without interference from binders or additives. 17,[24][25][26][27] For the interested reader, more information on XPS tting and presentation can be found in our previous publications. 17,28 XPS data of all corresponding sodium counter electrodes is present and discussed in the ESI (Table S1, Fig.…”

Structural Control of Electrodeposited Sb Anodes through Solution Additives and Their Influence on Electrochemical Performance in Na-Ion Batteries

“…A less prevalent technique previously reported by our group utilizes electrodeposition to synthesize Sb based anodes. ,− Through electrodeposition, Sb ions are plated electrochemically from solution onto a charged substrate. , This technique does not require binders and additives, which are necessary in slurry casted films, and vastly simplifies the understanding of the inherent properties of Sb anodes by removing the need to deconvolute the role of binders and additives . In addition, electrodeposition has been found to be a valuable technique to control composition, film thickness, crystallinity, and morphology of the deposited metal. ,− This control can be accomplished by a multitude of experimental parameters (temperature, bath composition, current density, etc.)…”

“…4,16−19 Through electrodeposition, Sb ions are plated electrochemically from solution onto a charged substrate. 20,21 This technique does not require binders and additives, which are necessary in slurry casted films, and vastly simplifies the understanding of the inherent properties of Sb anodes by removing the need to deconvolute the role of binders and additives. 22 In addition, electrodeposition has been found to be a valuable technique to control composition, film thickness, crystallinity, and morphology of the deposited metal.…”

Electrodeposition vs Slurry Casting: How Fabrication Affects Electrochemical Reactions of Sb Electrodes in Sodium-Ion Batteries

“…5,20,25,34,35 Previously our group has used electrodeposition to form anode films that enables the direct deposition of active material onto a metal foil current collector without the use of additives or binders like that of slurry casted films. 7,[36][37][38][39][40] This technique allows for the investigation of the intrinsic properties of the active material without the need to deconvolute data from the active material and inactive binders. Electrodeposition also allows for the co-deposition of antimony with conductive material such as amine functionalized carbon nanotubes (ACNTs) to extend cycle life.…”