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"Sodium batteries with solid electrolytes: nanoscale engineering, composition optimization and structure-property correlation"

Abstract

With the merits of naturally abundant sodium (Na) resource and similar electrochemical characteristics to that of lithium-ion batteries, Na-based batteries have been widely studied as the next-generation economical and practical energy storage choices. Particularly, Na metal anode possesses high theoretical specific capacity of 1166 mAh/g and low electrochemical potential of −2.71 V (vs. standard hydrogen electrode), and it is therefore considered as the ultimate anode material for Na-based batteries. Nevertheless, the commercialization of Na metal anode is still largely hindered by several long-lasting challenges, namely metallic Na dendrite growth and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation. The challenges unstable SEI formation and Na dendrite growth from the uncontrollable parasitic reactions between metallic Na anode and liquid electrolyte can be effectively resolved by employing non-flammable solid-state Na⁺ conductor as an electrolyte. In fact, solid-state electrolytes not only can eliminate the severe safety concerns of Na metal batteries, but they can also enhance electrochemical stability and prolong cycling life. There are generally two types of solid-state electrolyte (SSE): inorganic ceramic SSE and organic polymer SSE. Although they can greatly enhance battery safety and electrochemical stability, SSEs are still plagued by the long-lasting challenges of low ionic conductivity and high interfacial impedance. In this proposal, I first go over the fundamental science associated with these challenges. Then, I provide in-depth discussion on the recent key advancements from the perspectives of solid-state electrolyte implementation. Lastly, I propose three distinctive strategies, namely nanoscale surface engineering, chemical composition optimization and novel synthesis method for high performance solid-state electrolytes for Na-based batteries.

Thesis Committee

• Weiyang Li, PhD (Chair)
• Christopher Levey, PhD
• Jifeng Liu, PhD
• Priyanka Bhattacharya, PhD

Contact

For more information, contact Daryl Laware at daryl.a.laware@dartmouth.edu.