Aqueous electrolyte batteries can present significant safety improvements over commercial lithium-ion batteries that use highly flammable organic electrolytes. However, they have several challenges due to their narrow electrochemical stability window (~1.23V) leading to rapid capacity fade, and low energy density (70 Wh/kg). Here we present a method to improve aqueous battery performance by mitigating the water electrolyte instability during battery cycling. We built a thin protective carbon layer on the anode analogous to SEI that inhibits water decomposition and allows lithium ion transfer at the electrode and electrolyte interface. These anodes are tested and their performance is characterized with highly concentrated aqueous electrolytes. An optimal coating structure and composition will be presented as design criteria in building high performance aqueous Li-ion batteries.

Designing stable SEI layers for long-lasting aqueous lithium-ion batteries

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.