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1.
Nano Lett ; 14(12): 6889-96, 2014 Dec 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25419865

ABSTRACT

Suppressing lithium (Li) dendrite growth is one of the most critical challenges for the development of Li metal batteries. Here, we report for the first time the growth of dendrite-free lithium films with a self-aligned and highly compacted nanorod structure when the film was deposited in the electrolyte consisting of 1.0 M LiPF6 in propylene carbonate with 0.05 M CsPF6 as an additive. Evolution of both the surface and the cross-sectional morphologies of the Li films during repeated Li deposition/stripping processes were systematically investigated. It is found that the formation of the compact Li nanorod structure is preceded by a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer formed on the surface of the substrate. Electrochemical analysis indicates that an initial reduction process occurred at ∼ 2.05 V vs Li/Li(+) before Li deposition is responsible for the formation of the initial SEI, while the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that the presence of CsPF6 additive can largely enhance the formation of LiF in this initial SEI. Hence, the smooth Li deposition in Cs(+)-containing electrolyte is the result of a synergistic effect of Cs(+) additive and preformed SEI layer. A fundamental understanding on the composition, internal structure, and evolution of Li metal films may lead to new approaches to stabilize the long-term cycling stability of Li metal and other metal anodes for energy storage applications.


Subject(s)
Electrodes , Lithium/chemistry , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Metal Nanoparticles/ultrastructure , Nanotubes/chemistry , Nanotubes/ultrastructure , Crystallization/methods , Electroplating/methods , Materials Testing , Surface Properties
2.
ChemSusChem ; 7(9): 2436-40, 2014 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25045007

ABSTRACT

A fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in nonaqueous lithium-oxygen (Li-O2) batteries is essential for the further development of these batteries. In this work, we systematically investigate the mechanisms of the ORR/OER reactions in nonaqueous Li-O2 batteries by using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, using 5,5-dimethyl-pyrroline N-oxide as a spin trap. The study provides direct verification of the formation of the superoxide radical anion (O2(˙-)) as an intermediate in the ORR during the discharge process, while no O2(˙-) was detected in the OER during the charge process. These findings provide insight into, and an understanding of, the fundamental reaction mechanisms involving oxygen and guide the further development of this field.


Subject(s)
Electric Power Supplies , Lithium/chemistry , Oxygen/chemistry , Cyclic N-Oxides/chemistry , Oxidation-Reduction , Superoxides/chemistry
3.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces ; 6(16): 14141-51, 2014 Aug 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25068384

ABSTRACT

The long-term operation of Li-O2 batteries under full discharge/charge conditions is investigated in a glyme-based electrolyte. The formation of stable interfacial layer on the electrode surface during the initial cycling stabilizes reaction products at subsequent cycling stages as demonstrated by quantitative analyses of the discharge products and the gases released during charging. There is a quick switch from the predominant formation of Li2O2 to the predominant formation of side products during the first few cycles. However, after the formation of the stable interfacial layer, the yield of Li2O2 in the reaction products is stabilized at about 33-40%. Extended cycling under full discharge/charge conditions is achievable upon selection of appropriate electrode materials (carbon source and catalyst) and cycling protocol. Further investigation on the interfacial layer, which in situ forms on air electrode, may increase the long-term yield of Li2O2 during the cycling and enable highly reversible Li-O2 batteries required for practical applications.

4.
Microsc Microanal ; 20(2): 484-92, 2014 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24755142

ABSTRACT

The recent development of in-situ liquid stages for (scanning) transmission electron microscopes now makes it possible for us to study the details of electrochemical processes under operando conditions. As electrochemical processes are complex, care must be taken to calibrate the system before any in-situ/operando observations. In addition, as the electron beam can cause effects that look similar to electrochemical processes at the electrolyte/electrode interface, an understanding of the role of the electron beam in modifying the operando observations must also be understood. In this paper we describe the design, assembly, and operation of an in-situ electrochemical cell, paying particular attention to the method for controlling and quantifying the experimental parameters. The use of this system is then demonstrated for the lithiation/delithiation of silicon nanowires.

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