U.S. Two Universities Utilize PDMS Layer to Reduce Generation of Lithium Batteries in Lithium Metal Batteries

According to foreign media reports, lithium metal batteries are one of the most promising battery products for high-density energy storage technology. Today, researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) and colleagues at Rice University use a 3D Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer or a silicone layer as a layer. Lithium metal anode substrate, designed to ease the formation of lithium crystal branches.

According to Hanqing Jiang, professor of the Department of Materials Transmission and Energy at Arizona State University, this method may extend battery life and is aimed at eliminating the safety risks of lithium-ion batteries and lithium-air batteries. It can also be used in metal anode batteries.

Jiang said that he and his research team did not focus on finding new materials or electrochemical performance. It was the work of mechanical engineers. They are looking for ways to focus on stress, because stress itself is one of the factors responsible for the growth of lithium crystals.

The study included the addition of a layer of PDMS below the anode of the battery to "remarkable reductions" of lithium growth. According to the researchers, the above factors are directly related to the accumulated stress inside the lithium metal, and the wrinkles-like PDMS substrate will play a positive role in stress relief.

In addition, the research team also designed a new method - for PDMS substrates, using its multi-faceted three-dimensional structure, hopes to extend the service life of lithium metal batteries while maintaining its high energy density.