Applications
- EV batteries and charging
- Use in anode systems of solid-state batteries
Advantages/Benefits
- Significantly improves Li plating and stripping cycles
- Extends cycle life
- Low cost and scalable materials
- Can be used in an anode free configuration
Background
All-solid-state lithium-metal batteries hold great promise because of their high energy density. However, lithium dendrite growth occurs during charging and poses a risk to battery safety and performance. There is a need for technologies to mitigate this issue.
Technology Overview
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a dual buffer layer (BL) composed of tin (Sn) nanoparticles and carbon, on a current collector to suppress lithium dendrite growth towards a solid electrolyte. Key features of this technology include:
- The use of direct current (DC) magnetron sputter coating to deposit tin and carbon onto a current collector to achieve uniform lithium-metal plating and improved cycle performance.
- A dual buffer layer (BL) of Sn-C, where a thin C layer is deposited onto a Sn metal layer.
- The Sn results in a uniform lithium-metal deposition onto the current collector, while the C prevents lithium dendrite growth towards the solid electrolyte.
The Sn–C buffer layer shows stable Li-plating/stripping cycling over 450 cycles without noticeable short-circuit. Optical and electron microscopy analysis have confirmed the successful role of the Sn-C BL.
Development Stage
TRL 3 – Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof of concept
For More Information
Avvaru, V. (2025). Tin-Carbon Dual Buffer Layer to Suppress Lithium Dendrite Growth in All-Solid-State Batteries. ACS Nano, Vol. 9 (Issue 18), 17347-17356. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c16271
Principal Investigator(s)
- Haegyum Kim
Status
Patent pending
Opportunities
Available for licensing or collaborative research
Other Technologies in this Field
Stable lithium phosphorous sulfur electrolyte in solid-state batteries
Stable and high performing polymer composite electrolytes for solid-state batteries
