Alleviate Gassing Problem of Li4Ti5O12 Anode Using Polymeric Artificial Solid-Electrolyte-Interphase

Abstract

Lithium ion batteries containing lithium titanate (LTO), Li4Ti5O12, as anode material are promising energy storage systems for their safety and long cycle-life. However, there is a critical problem of extensive evolution of gases during cycling or storage of LTO cells, which results in capacity fading and poor cycling performance. This is particularly a major issue when the water-based binder is intended to be used for the LTO anode. In this study, we successfully developed an artificial solid-electrolyte-interphase (ASEI) coating that, when coated onto the LTO electrode, substantially alleviate the gassing problem of the electrode. The gassing behaviours of the LTO electrodes, either with or without the ASEI, have been characterized using operando gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS) analyses. It is furthermore demonstrated that the ASEI enables the LTO electrode to be compatible with water-based binder, such as alginate. Figure 1