High-capacity semi – Solid cathodes slurry evaluation in pouch cell

Abstract

Fundamental studies of electrons transportation, and dispersion state of particles in slurry are crucial for constructing high performance semi – solid flow batteries (SSFBs). Therefore, this work provides an integrated electrode slurry preparation method, and the properties, such as conductivity, rheological behavior, anti – settling and electrochemistry of the slurries are comprehensively investigated. Single crystal LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (SC622) is used as the active material due to its high energy storage ability and high structural stability, and ketjen black (KB) is selected as the conductive agent for its high electrical conductivity and high chemical inertness. Generally, the dispersion of SC622 within the electrolyte is difficult for its micron-sized particles and relatively high density. Therefore, KB nanoparticles are necessarily introduced for their extra function of providing rheological support to create thixotropic slurry, which is favorable for the flowable electrode preparation. Finally, a high discharge capacity of 167 mAh g−1 (based on SC622) at the current density of 8.0 mA g−1 is achieved by assembling pouch cells using the optimum slurry (30 wt% SC622 – 1.4 wt% KB). Noticeably, there are few works related to the electrochemical performance evaluation of the SSFBs slurries by this facile pouch cell, and in this study the final simulated result demonstrates the availability of this approach.