Ga-Sn liquid metal alloy (LMAs) anodes for making high energy density all solid-state Li-ion batteries

This research project aims to develop a novel hybrid liquid metal (LM) alloy anode for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries (ASSLiBs) using Ga-Sn or other p-block elements with carbon support. The motivation stems from the limitations of conventional Li metal anodes, which suffer from high reactivity with solid electrolytes (SEs), dendrite formation, and interface instability, leading to battery degradation and failure. Alloy-type electrodes, such as Si and Sn, offer high capacity but undergo significant volume expansion (~400% for Si), causing mechanical instability and poor cycling performance.
The proposed Ga-Sn anode seeks to address these issues by leveraging the self-healing nature of Ga, which can mitigate volume expansion and prevent dendrite formation. The project will investigate Li+ storage mechanisms, electrode-electrolyte interface stability, and phase changes in solid-state configurations. Li6PS5Cl will serve as the SE due to its high ionic conductivity (10?? to 10?? S cm??). Electrochemical techniques like galvanostatic charge-discharge, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) will assess performance, while in-situ/ex-situ XRD and synchrotron studies will examine structural changes.
To further enhance interfacial stability, a Li+-conducting covalent organic framework (COF) or hydrogen organic framework (HOF) will be introduced at the anode-SE interface, and Li-containing NbO2 will be coated on the LiNiMnO2 (NMO) cathode. The project targets an anode capacity of ≥500 mAh g??, a cobalt-free NMO cathode capacity of 200 mAh g??, SE conductivity of ≥5 mS cm??, an energy density of 200 Wh kg??, and a cycle life of ≥500 cycles.
By addressing critical challenges in ASSLiBs, this research aims to advance next-generation battery technology with improved stability, energy density, and longevity, making a significant contribution to the field of sustainable energy storage.