Novel Solid Redox Polymerization Electrodes: All‐Solid‐State, Thin‐Film, Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

Abstract

Lithium batteries using solid redox polymerization electrodes (SRPEs) maintain the inherent advantages of all‐solid‐state, thin‐film systems while overcoming some of the limitations of using intercalation compounds as positive electrode (i.e., insufficient rate capability and capacity utilization). Laboratory Li/PEO/SRPE cells have demonstrated higher power capability, energy density, and capacity utilization than analogous cells. One of the Li/PEO/SRPE cells has achieved 350 cycles from 50 to 93°C with a sustained energy density of 160 Wh/kg (190 Wh/l), power density of 120 W/kg (140 W/l), and 40–75% capacity utilization of the polymerization electrode. At 100°C, power densities of over 1800 W/kg (2200 W/l) at energy densities of 140 Wh/kg (170 Wh/l) have been achieved with up to 96% utilization of cathode capacity. At ambient temperatures (35°C), the cells can be discharged at a current density of 250 μA/cm2, achieving a film capacity of 0.5 C/cm2.