1 research outputs found
True Location of Insulating Byproducts in Discharge Deposits in Li–O<sub>2</sub> Batteries
Lithium–oxygen batteries (LOBs) are next-generation
rechargeable
energy storage devices with a high theoretical gravimetric energy
density. However, the expected energy density has not been fully achieved
mainly because of high charging overvoltages. The inclusion of insulating
byproducts in the discharge products has been suggested to be a critical
factor for high overvoltages. However, these previous studies did
not consider the growing/retreating fronts of the discharge deposits
(i.e., the deposits/electrode interface or the deposits/electrolyte
interface), potentially misleading conclusions. The aim of the present
study is set to precisely determine the locations of insulating byproducts
in individual discharge products in an LOB system, where the growing/retreating
fronts have already been identified, thereby indicating the right
direction for effectively reducing charging voltage. The analysis
revealed the consistent presence of Li2CO3,
a byproduct of decomposition of the electrolyte and/or positive electrode,
inside the individual discharge products composed mainly of Li2O2, as expected from the growing/retreating fronts.
The successful identification of the true locations of insulating
byproducts in discharge deposits is pivotal because it can enhance
our understanding of battery reactions, which can, in turn, pave the
way for the development of design guidelines for advanced battery
systems