Challenges and Opportunities for Fast Charging of Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries
Bairav S. Vishnugopi, Eric Kazyak, John A. Lewis, Jagjit Nanda, Matthew T. McDowell, Neil P. Dasgupta, Partha P. Mukherjee
Abstract
In this Perspective, we assess the promise and challenges for solid-state batteries (SSBs) to operate under fast-charge conditions (e.g., <10 min charge). We present the limitations of state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and liquid-based lithium metal batteries in context, and highlight the distinct advantages offered by SSBs with respect to rate performance, thermal safety, and cell architecture. Despite the promising fast-charge attributes of SSBs, we must overcome fundamental challenges pertaining to electro-chemo-mechanics interaction, interface evolution, and transport-kinetics dichotomy to realize their implementation. We describe the mechanistic implications of critical features including plating-stripping crosstalk, metallic filament growth, cathode microstructure, and interphase formation on the fast-charge performance of SSBs. Toward achieving the eventual goal of fast-charge in SSBs, we highlight both intrinsic (e.g., interface design, transport properties) and extrinsic (e.g., temperature, pressure) design factors that can favorably modulate the mechanistic coupling and cross-correlations. Finally, a list of key research questions is identified that need to be answered to gain a deeper understanding of the fast-charge capabilities and requirements of SSBs.