Columbia Engineering researchers have made a breakthrough in designing lithium metal batteries using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy techniques. In a recent paper published in the journal Joule, the team led by Lauren Marbella, associate professor of chemical engineering, shared new data and interpretations on how this method can provide unique insights into the structure of anode surfaces in lithium metal batteries.
According to Marbella, the team’s findings can accelerate the design of lithium metal batteries, making them safer for consumers. These batteries, which feature a lithium metal anode instead of graphite, could revolutionize electrified modes of transportation by offering more affordable and versatile options, such as semi-trucks and small aircraft.
Despite the potential benefits of lithium metal batteries, commercialization has been challenging due to the reactivity of lithium metal, which forms a passivation layer that affects battery performance. The team’s research focused on measuring the chemical composition of this layer, known as the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and understanding how lithium ions move within it during battery operation.
By leveraging nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the researchers were able to directly probe the movement of lithium ions at the anode’s interface and analyze the chemical compounds present on its surface. This approach could provide valuable insights into the structure-property relationships of lithium metal batteries, ultimately paving the way for the development of high-performance batteries.
The team emphasized the importance of combining multiple techniques, including NMR, spectroscopies, microscopy, simulations, and electrochemical methods, to advance the field of lithium metal battery development. Their work represents a significant step towards realizing the full potential of lithium metal batteries in the future of electrified transportation.
