POS5-0995
Artificial Layers with Sulfur-Rich Polymers-Cellulose Nanocrystal Composite Enables Uniform Metal Plating and Dendrite Inhibition
When and Where
Nov 30, -0001
00:00 - 00:00
Presenter(s)
Gyeong Yeon Bae (Hanyang University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Lithium metal batteries are promising next-generation energy-storage systems owing to the high theoretical capacity and low redox potential of Li metal. However, their practical implementation is severely hindered by unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, continuous parasitic reactions, and dendritic Li growth caused by nonuniform Li-ion flux at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Herein, we report a composite artificial interphase composed of a sulfur-rich polymer (SRP) derived from industrial sulfur by-products and renewable biomass-derived cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), designed to stabilize Li metal anodes through coupled chemical and mechanical interfacial regulation. The SRP phase, synthesized via inverse vulcanization, contributes sulfur-derived Li₂Sₓ and organic SEI-forming components, whereas CNCs introduce mechanically reinforcing domains and hydroxyl-rich surfaces that promote homogeneous Li-ion distribution. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the formation of CNC-coated SRP composite particles. Among the investigated compositions, the 20 wt% CNC composite exhibited the best electrochemical performance. In Li||Cu half-cells, the SRP/CNC artificial interphase maintained a stable Coulombic efficiency of approximately 99% over 220 cycles at 2.0 mA cm⁻² and 4.0 mAh cm⁻². Furthermore, the 20 wt% SRP/CNC artificial interphase exhibited the lowest interfacial resistance and induced the formation of a LiF-rich SEI, effectively suppressing lithium dendrite growth and improving interfacial stability. These results demonstrate that SRP/CNC composite artificial interphases can improve the long-term stability of lithium metal anodes by simultaneously regulating Li⁺ flux, mechanical interfacial stability, and SEI formation.
