Current collectors’ effects on the electrochemical performance of LiNi0·6Co0·2Mn0·2O2 suspension electrodes for lithium slurry battery

Abstract

Take after the advantages of lithium-ion battery (LIB) and redox flow battery (RFB), semi-solid flow battery (SSFB) is a promising electrochemical energy storage device in renewable energy utilization. The flowable slurry electrode realizes decouple of energy and power density, while it also brings about new challenge to SSFBs, electron transport between active material and the out circuit. In this consideration, three types of current collectors (CCs) are applied to study the resistance and electrochemical performances of slurry cathodes within pouch cells for the first time. It proves that the electronic resistance (Re) between slurry electrode and the CC plays a decisive role in SSFB operation, and it is so large when Al foil is adopted that the cell cannot even work. Contact angle between Ketjen black (KB) slurry without active material (AM) and the CC is a preliminarily sign for the Re, the smaller the angle, the lower the resistance, and the better electrochemical performance of the cell.