(Keynote) Parameterize Important Factors for Li Metal Batteries: Cycle Life, Calendar Life and Reactivity

Abstract

The lithium (Li) metal anode is essential for next-generation high-energy-density lithium metal batteries. The calendar life and reactivity (safety) are equally important to cycle stability for the real application of Li metal anode in different devices. Our recent studies have identified that preventing Li dendrite growth by stacking pressure could improve cycle life by consuming less electrolyte and preventing inactive Li0 accumulation. A similar conclusion is obtained in the study of electrodepositing Li metal anode calendar life and reactivity (safety), in which the porosity of the deposited Li dominates the Li metal corrosion rate and reactivity. The larger the porosity of deposited Li, the faster the corrosion rate/higher reactivity will be. Moreover, all cell components must be considered when it comes to the reactivity (safety) of Li metal batteries because components may react with each other. Our results revealed that dense Li metal anode owns similar reactivity as lithiated graphite/ Li-Si alloy. All results facilitate lithium metal battery design and manufacturing.