• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
• /
• v.57 no.2
• /
• pp.115-124
• /
• 2024

In advancing Li-ion battery (LIB) technology, the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is critical for enhancing battery longevity and performance. Formed during the charging process, the SEI layer is essential for controlling ion transport and maintaining electrode stability. This research provides a detailed analysis of how vinylene carbonate (VC) influences SEI layer formation. The integration of VC into the electrolyte markedly improved SEI properties. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed a connection between electrolyte decomposition and battery degradation, linked to the EMC esterification and dicarboxylate formation processes. VC facilitated the formation of a more uniform and chemically stable SEI layer enriched with poly(VC), thereby enhancing mechanical resilience and electrochemical stability. These findings deepen our understanding of the role of electrolyte additives in SEI formation, offering a promising strategy to improve the efficiency and lifespan of LIBs.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.176-183
• /
• 2018

In this study, a $Li_2ZrO_3$ coated $Li[Ni_{0.8}Co_{0.15}Al_{0.05}]O_2$ (NCA) cathode was applied to an all-solid-state cell employing a sulfide-based solid electrolyte. Sulfide-based solid electrolytes are preferable for all-solid-state cells because of their high ionic conductivity and good softness and elasticity. However, sulfides are very reactive with oxide cathodes, and this reduces the stability of the cathode/electrolyte interface of all-solid-state cells. $Li_2ZrO_3$ is expected to be a suitable coating material for the cathode because it can suppress the undesirable reactions at the cathode/sulfide electrolyte interface because of its good stability and high ionic conductivity. Cells employing $Li_2ZrO_3$ coated NCA showed superior capacity to those employing pristine NCA. Analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy confirmed that the $Li_2ZrO_3$ coating layer suppresses the propagation of S and P into the cathode and the reaction between the cathode and the sulfide solid electrolyte. These results show that $Li_2ZrO_3$ coating is promising for reducing undesirable side reactions at the cathode/electrolyte interface of all-solid-state-cells.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
• /
• 2017.05a
• /
• pp.169-169
• /
• 2017

Due to key roles for the electrochemical stability and charge capacity the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) has been extensively studied in anodes of a Li-ion battery cell. There is, however, few of investigation for cathodes. Using first-principles based calculations we describe atomic-level process of the SEI layer formation at the interface of a carbonate electrolyte and $LiMn_2O_4$ spinel cathode. Furthermore, using beyond the conventional density functional theory (DFT+U) calculations we examine the work function of the cathode and frontier orbitals of the electrolyte. Based on the results we propose that proton transfer at the interface is an essential mechanism initiating the SEI layer formation in the $LiMn_2O_4$. Our results can guide a design concept for stable and high capacity Li-ion battery cell through screening an optimum electrolyte fine-tuned energy band alignment for a given cathode.

• Journal of the Semiconductor & Display Technology
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.114-118
• /
• 2022

The stabilized all-solid-state battery structure indicate a fundamental alternative to the development of next-generation energy storage devices. Existing liquid electrolyte structures severely limit battery stability, creating safety concerns due to the growth of Li dendrites during rapid charge/discharge cycles. In this study, a low-dimensional graphene quantum dot layer structure was applied to demonstrate stable operating characteristics based on Li+ ion conductivity and excellent electrochemical performance. Transmission electron microscopy analysis was performed to elucidate the microstructure at the interface. The low-dimensional structure of GQD-based solid electrolytes has provided an important strategy for stable scalable solid-state lithium battery applications at room temperature. This study indicates that the low-dimensional carbon structure of Li-GQDs can be an effective approach for the stabilization of solid-state Li matrix architectures.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
• /
• 2016.11a
• /
• pp.97-97
• /
• 2016

Development of advanced Li-ion battery cells with high durability is critical for safe operation, especially in applications to electric vehicles and portable electronic devices. Understanding fundamental mechanism on the formation of a solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, which plays a substantial role in the electrochemical stability of the Li-ion battery, in a cathode was rarely reported unlike in an anode. Using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ab-initio molecular dynamic (AIMD) simulations we demonstrate atomic-level process on the generation of the SEI layer at the interface of a carbonate-based electrolyte and a spinel $LiMn_2O_4$ cathode. To accomplish the object we calculate the energy band alignment between the work function of the cathode and frontier orbitals of the electrolyte. We figure out that a proton abstraction from the carbonate-based electrolyte is a critical step for the initiation of an SEI layer formation. Our results can provide a design concept for stable Li-ion batteries by optimizing electrolytes to form proper SEI layers.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.85-95
• /
• 2023

In recent years, solid-state Li metal batteries (SSLBs) have attracted significant attention as the next-generation batteries with high energy and power densities. However, uncontrolled dendrite growth and the resulting pulverization of Li during repeated plating/stripping processes must be addressed for practical applications. Herein, we report a plastic-crystal-based polymer/ceramic composite solid electrolyte (PCCE) to resolve these issues. To fabricate the one-side ceramic-incorporated PCCE (CI-PCCE) film, a mixed precursor solution comprising plastic-crystal-based polymer (succinonitrile, SN) with garnet-structured ceramic (Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂, LLZO) particles was infused into a thin cellulose membrane, which was used as a mechanical framework, and subsequently solidified by using UV-irradiation. The CI-PCCE exhibited good flexibility and a high room-temperature ionic conductivity of over 10^-3 S cm^-1. The Li symmetric cell assembled with CI-PCCE provided enhanced durability against Li dendrite penetration through the solid electrolyte (SE) layer than those with LLZO-free PCCEs and exhibited long-term cycling stability (over 200 h) for Li plating/stripping. The enhanced Li⁺ transference number and lower interfacial resistance of CI-PCCE indicate that the ceramic-polymer composite layer in contact with the Li anode enabled the uniform distribution of Li⁺ flux at the interface between the Li metal and CI-PCCE, thereby promoting uniform Li plating/stripping. Consequently, the Li//LiFePO₄ (LFP) full cell constructed with CI-PCCE demonstrated superior rate capability (~120 mAh g^-1 at 2 C) and stable cycle performance (80% after 100 cycles) than those with ceramic-free PCCE.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.170-172
• /
• 2014

$CO_2$ sensor was used only one solid electrolyte in many cases. To improve the sensing characteristics of $CO_2$ sensors, solid electrolyte $CO_2$ sensor has been developed by bi-electrolyte type sensor using Na-Beta-alumina and YSZ. However, in many further studies, bi-electrolyte type sensor was made by pellet pressed by press machine and additional treatment for formation of interface. In the aspect of mass production, using thick film and additional treatment is not suitable. In this study, $CO_2$ sensor was fabricated by bi-electrolyte structure which was made by an NBA paste layer deposited on YSZ pellet and fired at $1650^{\circ}C$ for 2 hour. The formation of stable interface between YSZ and NBA were confirmed by SEM image. When the type IV electrochemical cell arrangement represented by $CO_2,O_2,Pt{\mid}Li_2CO_3-CaCO_3{\parallel}NBA{\parallel}YSZ{\mid}O_2,Pt$ is used to measure the $CO_2$ concentration in air. This sensor EMF should depend only on the concentration of $CO_2$ by logarithmic. Also, sensor shows $P_{CO_2}$ and EMF relationship like nerstian reaction at a temperature of $450^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.51-68
• /
• 2022

Although lithium metal batteries have a high energy density, experimental skills capable of solving lots of problems induced by dendrite such as short circuit, low coulomb efficiency, capacity loss, and cycle performance are still only in academic research stage. In this paper, research cases for dendrite growth inhibition on lithium metal electrode were classified into four types: flexible SEI (solid electrolyte interface) layer responding to volume expansion of lithium metal electrode, SEI supporting layer to inhibit dendrite growth physically, SHES (self-healing electrostatic shield) mechanism to adjust lithium growth by leading uniform diffusion of Li⁺ ions, and finally micro-patterning to induce uniform deposition of lithium. We hope to advance the practical use of lithium metal electrode by analyzing pros and cons of this classification.

• Proceedings of the KIEE Conference
• /
• 1994.11a
• /
• pp.205-208
• /
• 1994

The purpose of this study is to research and develop solid polymer electrolyte(SPE) for Li secondary battery. PEO-$LiClO_4$ electrolyte with plasticizer is very unstable. Passivation phenomena in polymer electrolyte cell was described by the SPL model. The time dependance of the impedance indicates that a passivation layer grows rapidly on the Li surface. However, the growing of passivation layer on the Li surface can be restrained by addition of zeolite to the PEO electrolyte. It suggested that addition of zeoliteto to the PEO-$LiClO_4$ electrolyte effectively controls the formation of a passivation layer on Li electrode.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
• /
• 2013.08a
• /
• pp.310.2-310.2
• /
• 2013

For enhancement of dye-sensitized solar cell performance, TiO2 blocking layer has been used to prevent recombination between electron and hole at the conducting oxide and electrolyte interface. In solid state dye-sensitized solar cells, it is necessary to fabricate pin-hole free TiO2 blocking layer. In this work, we deposited the TiO2 blocking layer on conducting oxide by atomic layer deposition and compared the efficiency. To compare the efficiency, we fabricate solid state dye-sensitized solar cell with using CuSCN as hole transport material. We see the efficiency improve with 40nm TiO2 blocking layer and the TiO2 blocking layer morphology was characterized by SEM. Also, we used this blocking layer in TiO2/Sb2S3/ CuSCN solar cell.