(Invited) Stress and Surface Engineering for Dendrites-Suppressing Solid-State Electrolytes

Abstract

This presentation will discuss a new and general paradigm via stress engineering for enabling all-solid-state batteries that use lithium or sodium (Li or Na) metal anodes. It is well known that all solid-state batteries that replace the highly flammable liquid electrolytes that are presently used will dramatically reduce the incidence of battery fires and enable using metallic anodes. Unfortunately, solid-state electrolytes (SEs) face significant technical challenges, in large part because Li dendrites readily penetrate through SEs, leading to short circuits and cell failure. Completely different from the existing approaches, which either apply high stack pressures or add a buffer layer between Li and the SEs, this approach will suppress dendrites and cracks in SEs by putting the SE surfaces into a state of residual compressive stress via ion implantation. In addition, this talk will present the understanding of surface/grain boundary science and its impact on electrochemistry, as well the future strategies to improve electrodeposition efficiency via surface and stress engineering. Combining the results from spectroscopic and structural characterization, this invited talk will highlight the impact of stress and surface engineering on reversible electrochemistry of the Garnet solid-state electrolytes and provide insights in designing all-solid-state batteries for cycling at room temperature and low stack pressure.