Enhancing performance of anode-free Li-metal batteries by addition of ceramic nanoparticles Part II

Because of their higher energy density, compared to lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) have been considered one of the most attractive next-generation energy-storage systems (ESS). A promising approach to improving LMB performance, which has gained interest in recent years, is the use of anode-free lithium-metal batteries (AFLMBs). Such battery configuration enables elimination of the problem of using excessive amounts of lithium in LMBs, hence increasing the specific energy of the battery. Another approach is to use a solid-state electrolyte (SSE) which increases energy density and decreases safety concerns. This work explores the beneficial effects of integrating metal-oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) into the liquid electrolyte of AFLMB. It was found that the addition to the electrolyte of low concentrations of MONPs significantly improves coulombic efficiency (CE), capacity retention (CR), and the solid-electrolyte-interphase (SEI) properties. Cells with 1% In2O3 or 1% ZnO addition resulted in 99.6% and 99.2% CE, and CR of 70% within 46 and 39 cycles, respectively. Combination of these MONPs resulted in 99.9% CE.