The organic cathode developed by researchers at the University of Houston is electrochemically and mechanically compatible with a solid sulfide electrolyte. Its moderate redox potential allows the reversible formation of a resistive active material-electrolyte interface. Image: University of Houston.Solid-state sodium-ion batteries are far safer than conventional lithium-ion batteries, which pose a risk of fire and explosions, but their performance has been too weak to offset their safety advantages. Now, though, researchers have developed an organic cathode that dramatically improves both the stability and energy density of solid-state sodium-ion batteries.
The improved performance, reported in a paper in Joule, is related to two key findings. One is that the resistive interface between the electrolyte and the cathode that commonly forms during cycling can be reversed, extending cycle life. This other is that the flexibility of the new organic cathode allows it to maintain intimate contact at the interface with the solid electrolyte, even as the cathode expands and contracts during cycling.
Yan Yao, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Houston (UH) and corresponding author of the paper, said that the organic cathode – made from a material known as PTO (pyrene-4,5,9,10-tetraone) – offers unique advantages over previous inorganic cathodes. But he said the underlying principles are equally significant.
"We found for the first time that the resistive interface that forms between the cathode and the electrolyte can be reversed," Yao said. "That can contribute to stability and longer cycle life." Yao is also a principal investigator at the Texas Center for Superconductivity at UH. His research group focuses on green and sustainable organic materials for energy generation and storage.
Yanliang ‘Leonard’ Liang, a research assistant professor in the UH Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said that reversibility of the interface is the key, allowing the solid-state battery to reach a higher energy density without sacrificing cycle life. Normally, a solid-state battery's ability to store energy is halted when the resistive cathode-electrolyte interface forms. According to Liang, reversing that resistance allows energy density to remain high during cycling.
Lithium-ion batteries with liquid electrolytes are able to store relatively high amounts of energy and are commonly used to power modern electronic devices, from cell phones to hearing aids. But the risk of fire and explosion has heightened interest in other types of batteries, and a solid-state sodium-ion battery offers the promise of increased safety at a lower cost.
Xiaowei Chi, a post-doctoral researcher in Yao's group, said a key challenge had been to find a solid electrolyte that is as conductive as the liquid electrolytes used in lithium-ion batteries. Now that sufficiently conductive solid electrolytes are available, a remaining challenge has been the solid interfaces.
One issue raised by a solid electrolyte is that it struggles to maintain intimate contact with a traditional rigid cathode as the latter expands and contracts during battery cycling. Fang Hao, a PhD student working in Yao's group, said the organic cathode is more pliable and thus able to remain in contact with the interface, improving cycling life. The researchers said the contact remained steady through at least 200 cycles.
"If you have reliable contact between the electrode and electrolyte, you will have a great chance of creating a high-performance solid-state battery," Hao explained.
This story is adapted from material from the University of Houston, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier. Link to original source.