Polarization Reduction of a Novel Cell Configuration Based on Thin-Film Electrolyte on Porous Oxide Framework for Solid State Batteries Application

Abstract

In early 1990s, rechargeable Li batteries using inorganic ionic conductors as solid electrolytes have been proposed. Because of their improved safety features, solid state batteries have received great attention recently. Although using Li metal as an ideal high-capacity anode has been a long-term goal, the critical issues remaining to be solved are the polarization contributed from the solid electrolyte and the electrode/electrolyte interface. Thus, to form a Li-conducting thin film with good adhesion with an adequate conducting and porous oxide framework in between Li anode and thin electrolyte may be a solution for the reduction of above-mentioned polarization observed in the solid state batteries. Thus, the main objective of this study is to (i) calculate/estimate the polarization reduction in a solid state cell using thin-film inorganic electrolyte and metallic Li as anode, (ii) to complete the experimental design for in-situ formation of thin electrolyte based on sol-gel deposition of an oxides precursor on a porous and conducting oxide framework followed by heat-treatment at temperatures > 700°C. The verification of polarization reduction contributed from the proposed thin-film electrolyte as well as the porous/conducting framework will be carried out in the near future.