Ambient temperature solid-state lithium batteries

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SOLID-STATE LITHIUM BATTERIES... 

In this case, we have an electrolyte identical to that which is present in lithium-polymer batteries, made of poly(ethylene oxide) (or PEO) in the presence of a lithium salt, solid at ambient temperature, and which needs to be heated above ambient temperature in order for the battery to work (T > 65°C for PEO). Thus, the electrolyte, in its molten state, exhibits sufficient ionic conductivity for the lithium ions to pass. This type of electrolyte can be used on its own (without a membrane) because it ensures physical separation of the positive and negative electrodes. This type of polymer electrolyte needs to be differentiated from gelled or plasticized electrolytes, wherein a polymer is mixed with a lithium salt but also with a solvent or a blend of organic solvents, and which function at ambient temperature. In the case of a Li-S battery, dry polymer membranes are often preferred because they present a genuine all solid state at ambient temperature, which helps limit the dissolution of the active material and therefore self-discharge. Similarly, in the molten state (viscous polymer), the diffusion of the species is slowed, and there is the hope of being able to contain the lithium polysulfides near to the positive electrode. In addition, this technology limits the formation of dendrites on the metal lithium... 

The incremental capacity of an insertion electrode material used in ambient temperature batteries can be estimated from voltage spectroscopy measurements which can help to the determination of phase diagram of the insertion compotmd [1], In the first section, we examine the various aspects of electrochemical lithium insertion into a number of electrode materials. The experimental techniques of solid-state electrochemistry are presented in the second section. Voltage spectroscopy and phase diagram during Li intercalation into cathode materials are investigated. Finally, the experimental determination of the diffusion coefficient of ions in solid materials is investigated. 

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