(362c) Electrolyte Engineering in Battery Technology

Electrolyte engineering is one of the most promising approaches that can revolutionize battery technology in terms of energy, power, safety, and extreme condition operations. Alkali metal batteries, by using the metallic anode (e.g., Li, Zn) can significantly increase the energy density of the battery due to their high theoretical specific capacity, low density, and low electrochemical potential. However, large-scale deployment of metal anodes in practical batteries still requires a scientific breakthrough in solving major challenges of dendrite growth and low plating/stripping efficiency of metal anodes. To address the issues related to metallic anodes in alkali metal batteries, several effective strategies have been developed to stabilize metal anodes, including liquid electrolytes, surface coating, solid-state electrolytes, and porous current collectors. In this presentation, we will present our recent findings on the development of suitable electrolyte systems for next-generation alkali metal batteries.