Studies on uniform deposition of alkali metals for alkali-metal batteries

Abstract

Recently, needs for eco-friend energy sources and demands for electronic devices including electric vehiclesaccelerate research on energy storage systems that can be sustainable and perform high energy density. In thisregard, alkali-metal battery has been highlighted as one of the next-generation energy sources owing to the lowstandard redox potential and high theoretical capacity of alkali metal electrode. However, high electrochemicalreactivity and non-uniform electrodeposition of the metal has been hindered practical application of the electrodes.In this thesis, studies on electrochemical properties of sodium metal electrode and development of current collectorstructures for the lithium metal electrode were discussed. The solid electrolyte interphase which is formed onsodium metal surface was investigated and its effect on electrochemical performance was studied. In addition,three-dimensional current collector structures were developed with various compositions and structures based oncopper mesh scaffold. Modulated electric field in the designed current collector structures induced uniformelectrodeposition of lithium, resulting in reversible and stable cycling of lithium negative electrode.