Redox-homogeneous, gel electrolyte-embedded high-mass-loading cathodes for high-energy lithium metal batteries

Lithium metal batteries have higher theoretical energy than their Li-ion counterparts, where graphite is used at the anode. However, one of the main stumbling blocks in developing practical Li metal batteries is the lack of cathodes with high-mass-loading capable of delivering highly reversible redox reactions. To overcome this issue, here we report an electrode structure that incorporates a UV-cured non-aqueous gel electrolyte and a cathode where the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 active material is contained in an electron-conductive matrix produced via simultaneous electrospinning and electrospraying. This peculiar structure prevents the solvent-drying-triggered non-uniform distribution of electrode components and shortens the time for cell aging while improving the overall redox homogeneity. Moreover, the electron-conductive matrix eliminates the use of the metal current collector. When a cathode with a mass loading of 60 mg cm(-2) is coupled with a 100 mu m thick Li metal electrode using additional non-aqueous fluorinated electrolyte solution in lab-scale pouch cell configuration, a specific energy and energy density of 321 Wh kg(-1) and 772 Wh L-1 (based on the total mass of the cell), respectively, can be delivered in the initial cycle at 0.1 C (i.e., 1.2 mA cm(-2)) and 25 degrees C. The development of high energy lithium metal batteries is affected by the mass loading of the cathode. Here, the authors report a lithium metal pouch cell with a cathode capacity of 12 mAh cm-2. The positive electrode is prepared by applying UV-curable gel electrolyte as a processing solvent.

Automated summary

Lithium metal batteries have higher theoretical energy, but lack high-mass-loading cathodes for reversible redox reactions. This study presents an electrode structure with a UV-cured non-aqueous gel electrolyte and a cathode containing LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 active material in an electron-conductive matrix. This structure prevents non-uniform distribution and shortens aging time, improving redox homogeneity.