(Invited) High Energy Cell Design: Challenges and Quantitative Characterization of the Role of Lean Electrolyte

Abstract

Rechargeable lithium metal batteries have significant possibility to increase specific energy above current state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries. Achieving this promise is a significant undertaking that requires precise optimization of a broad set of cell components including both active material loading and the use of lean electrolytes. While necessary to achieve high specific energy, there is limited background and quantification of how the failure modes evolve in high energy cells which have lean electrolyte. As part of multiple on-going studies it has been found that not only does the use of lean electrolyte impact the overall cycle life of cells, but also that the quantity of electrolyte has a strong impact on mechanistic failure modes. The quantitative assessment of losses and changes within the cell over cycling presents the possibility to more rationally design cells and understand the path forward for future research activities. This presentation will highlight how this refined level of analysis can distinctly link full cell performance with the advancement of fundamental R&D.