Authors: Funeka Nkosi
Title: Garnet-Polyester Composite Electrolyte for Solid-State Li-ion Batteries
Affiliation: Uppsala University
Abstract
Garnet Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) constitutes one of the most promising solid-state electrolytes for all-solid-state Li-ion batteries. This is due to its attractive properties such as good ionic conductivity, excellent stability against Li-metal anode, and a wide electrochemical window of operation. However, the use of ceramic electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries remains a challenge. This is because the hard, brittle and rigid nature of ceramic electrolytes results in high interfacial resistance and the formation of cracks that favor dendrite formation and short circuits in the batteries. To address these challenges, a polyester co-polymer is incorporated in the garnet LLZO. Polyester-based polymers are suitable for the garnet-polymer composites because they are superior to traditional poly(ethylene oxide) polymer electrolytes since they have higher cation transference numbers and better ambient-temperature ionic conductivities.