Process Engineering for High-Energy Density and High-Power Lithium Metal Batteries
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Kim, Minsu
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Abstract
Lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) offer much higher energy density than conventional Li-ion batteries, but their practical application faces challenges such as electrolyte leakage and the formation of Li dendrites, which pose safety risks like thermal runaway. Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) present a promising solution by preventing leakage and inhibiting dendrite growth, making them safer and more reliable for electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems. Additionally, 3D-structured current collectors (CCs) improve Li plating and stripping by increasing surface area and reducing local current density, helping to prevent dendrite formation. While these technologies are highly promising, there is a growing need for thin, lightweight designs that deliver high energy density, stable cycling performance, and scalability for commercialization. As part of my PhD research at the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, I have developed scalable processing techniques for fabricating LMB components with enhanced energy density and stability. These include thin, flexible composite solid electrolytes (CSEs) made using the non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method, which improves safety and suppresses dendrite growth. My research also includes in-situ polymerizable CSEs that offer high mechanical stability against dendrites and electrode volume changes, achieving excellent cycling performance in all-solid-state LMBs (ASSLMBs). Furthermore, I designed lightweight, 9 µm-thick 3D porous composite CCs to prevent Li dendrite growth and enhance energy density. These innovations bring us closer to the commercialization of safer, more efficient LMBs.
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Date
2024-12-11
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Dissertation (PhD)