The Mechanism by Which a Ag-Carbon Buffer Layers Improves Li Plating in Solid-State Batteries

Recently, it has been shown that the introduction of a carbon+Ag buffer layer between the solid-state electrolyte and a current collector leads to highly efficient and uniform Li plating [1-2]. The mechanism by which the buffer layer improves Li plating is not well understood, and the current hypothesis attributing this to the different adhesion energy of the buffer layer with the solid electrolyte and current collector is almost certainly not correct.<br/>In this presentation we report on a combined continuum + ab-initio modeling effort to understand how Ag nanoparticles regulate the Li nucleation and growth. The understanding from this work also enables a rational selection of which other metals may or may not work.<br/>Reference:<br/>[1] Lee, Yong-Gun, et al. "High-energy long-cycling all-solid-state lithium metal batteries enabled by silver–carbon composite anodes." <i>Nature Energy</i> 5.4 (2020): 299-308.<br/>[2] Suzuki, Naoki, et al. "Highly Cyclable All-Solid-State Battery with Deposition-Type Lithium Metal Anode Based on Thin Carbon Black Layer." <i>Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research</i> 2.11 (2021): 2100066.