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Molecular Foundry

HIGHLIGHTSClosed-loop cathode recycling in solid-state batteries enabled by supramolecular electrolytes
September 29, 2023

Scientific Achievement

(A) Fabricating all solid-state lithium metal cells from ball-milled ORION powders, which are initially sandwiched between a porous cathode and Li metal anode. (B) At and above 100°C, ORION conductors are viscoelastic liquids that infiltrate porous cathodes while also conforming to the Li metal surface. (C) After cooling, the ORION conductor solidifies, creating an all-solid-state lithium metal cell. Synchrotron hard x-ray tomography images of (D) an as-assembled ORION SSB and (E) an ORION SSB after thermal conditioning.

Foundry staff and users designed a new class of supramolecular organo-ionic (ORION) electrolytes for solid state batteries (SSBs) that enable direct cathode recycling.

Significance and Impact

The ORION electrolytes can be recovered from SSBs and refurbished with 90% of their original capacity. They have the potential to meet challenges related to manufacturing, performance, safety, and recycling circularity.

Research Details

  • The ORION electrolytes are viscoelastic solids at battery operating temperatures (−40° to 45°C) but are viscoelastic liquids above 100°C, which enables cathode recycling.
  • ORION SSBs showed 82% capacity retention after 100 cycles at 45°C. Second-life SSBs recovered 90% of their capacity and sustained it for another 100 cycles with 84% capacity retention.
  • ORION conductors feature tunable characteristics (e.g. conductivity) through choice of salts, stoichiometry, and supramolecular building units.
Bae, J., Zhu, Z., Yan, J., Kim, D-M., Ko, Y., Jain, A., Helms, B.A.. Sci.Adv. 2023. 9 (32). DOI:10.1126/sciadv.adh9020

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