RESEARCH

1. Morphological control of lithium-metal electrodeposits for lithium-metal batteries

Despite the high energy density of anodeless batteries employing either liquid or solid-state electrolytes, they suffer from safety hazards and poor cycle performance due to dendritic and inhomogeneous Li growth on the anode. To regulate the Li deposition behavior, we carry out fundamental research on electro-chemo-mechanical properties of Li during Li deposition/stripping. Based on the fundamental study, we developed nano-structured composite anodes to enable the highly reversible and long cyclable anodeless batteries.

2. Interface engineering between Li-metal and solid electrolyte

Physically, chemically, and electrochemically unstable interfaces between Li metal and solid electrolyte impede the practical use of Li metal based all-solid-state batteries. We carried out interface engineering on Li metal based on solution process using solid electrolyte-based precursor solution, avoiding formation of voids and poor interfacial contact. Reactions between precursor solution and Li metal formed electro-chemo-mechanically stable protective layer exhibiting notably superior stability and suppressing the dendritic Li growth.

3. Nanomaterials design for next-generation lithium-ion batteries

As the demand for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries with higher energy density increases, the interest in the design of advanced cathode materials is surging. To extend the limitations of low-capacity region derived from conventional cathodes, we design high-capacity cathode materials using metal nano-catalysts using anionic redox or multivalent ions, and research on flexible batteries that can be applied to wearable electronic devices.