Electrode structure and method for making the same

摘要

Electrode structures, and more specifically, electrode structures for use in electrochemical cells, are provided. The electrode structures described herein may include one or more protective layers. In one set of embodiments, a protective layer may be formed by exposing a lithium metal surface to a plasma comprising ions of a gas to form a ceramic layer on top of the lithium metal. The ceramic layer may be highly conductive to lithium ions and may protect the underlying lithium metal surface from reaction with components in the electrolyte. In some cases, the ions may be nitrogen ions and a lithium nitride layer may be formed on the lithium metal surface. In other embodiments, the protective layer may be formed by converting lithium to lithium nitride at high pressures. Other methods for forming protective layers are also provided.

主权项

1. An article for use in an electrochemical cell, comprising:
an electroactive layer comprising lithium metal; a lithium nitride layer adjacent the electroactive layer, wherein the lithium nitride layer has a thickness of greater than 1 micron and less than 20 microns; a polymer gel electrolyte layer comprising a lithium salt, wherein the polymer gel electrolyte layer is adjacent the lithium nitride layer, has a lithium ion conductivity of at least 1×10−4 S/cm, and has a yield strength of greater than 50 N/cm2, wherein the article is under an applied anisotropic force, the anisotropic force having a component normal to a surface of the article, and wherein the component defines a pressure of at least 80 N/cm2.