Composite Cathodes

Solid state electrolytes (SSEs) have attracted significant attentions. Compared to conventional liquid electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, SSEs can eliminate most safety issues by avoiding the use of flammable organic chemicals.

One of the major challenges of SSEs is the high interfacial resistance. The interfacial contact between SSE and an electrode will be further deteriorated during the expansion and shrinkage of the electrode during cycling. To reduce the resistance, it is critical to create ionic conduction pathways between solid electrolytes and electrodes interface as well as reduce the stress at the interface caused by expansion during charging and discharging. Using composite cathodes is one of the interfacial modification techniques. Composite cathodes are composed of active materials, electronic conductive additives and ionic conductive fillers such as SSE which can provide ionic pathway.

Composite cathodes have a substantial influence on transport phenomena which can  consequently affect electrochemical performance. However, composite cathode optimization is often overlooked.

All ceramic composite cathodes

All ceramic composite cathodes have higher safety, but it can lead to higher interfacial resistance due to their poor binding properties.

Ceramic solid electrolytes can further be categorized into two types: oxide-based and sulfide-based materials. Below are some applications for different types of composite cathodes and their performance.

MSE Supplies offers various cathode materials and solid state electrolyte materials such as LLZO, LPSCL etc.

Semi-crystalline polymer

Using semi-crystalline polymer electrolytes as catholytes is a common strategy to formulate composite cathodes. The polymers can have a better interfacial contact and act as more effective binders than ceramics.

MSE Supplies also offers materials for fabricating semi-crystalline polymer composite cathode.

MSE Supplies (msesupplies.com) is a major global supplier of battery materials. Both standard and customized products are available from MSE Supplies. If you need something not listed on our website, please email us at sales@msesupplies.com and we will prepare a quote for the customized products for you.  If you have any questions, please email us at tech@msesupplies.com.

Reference

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