• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.176-183
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• 2018

In this study, a $Li_2ZrO_3$ coated $Li[Ni_{0.8}Co_{0.15}Al_{0.05}]O_2$ (NCA) cathode was applied to an all-solid-state cell employing a sulfide-based solid electrolyte. Sulfide-based solid electrolytes are preferable for all-solid-state cells because of their high ionic conductivity and good softness and elasticity. However, sulfides are very reactive with oxide cathodes, and this reduces the stability of the cathode/electrolyte interface of all-solid-state cells. $Li_2ZrO_3$ is expected to be a suitable coating material for the cathode because it can suppress the undesirable reactions at the cathode/sulfide electrolyte interface because of its good stability and high ionic conductivity. Cells employing $Li_2ZrO_3$ coated NCA showed superior capacity to those employing pristine NCA. Analysis by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy confirmed that the $Li_2ZrO_3$ coating layer suppresses the propagation of S and P into the cathode and the reaction between the cathode and the sulfide solid electrolyte. These results show that $Li_2ZrO_3$ coating is promising for reducing undesirable side reactions at the cathode/electrolyte interface of all-solid-state-cells.

• Journal of Surface Science and Engineering
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.115-124
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• 2024

In advancing Li-ion battery (LIB) technology, the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer is critical for enhancing battery longevity and performance. Formed during the charging process, the SEI layer is essential for controlling ion transport and maintaining electrode stability. This research provides a detailed analysis of how vinylene carbonate (VC) influences SEI layer formation. The integration of VC into the electrolyte markedly improved SEI properties. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed a connection between electrolyte decomposition and battery degradation, linked to the EMC esterification and dicarboxylate formation processes. VC facilitated the formation of a more uniform and chemically stable SEI layer enriched with poly(VC), thereby enhancing mechanical resilience and electrochemical stability. These findings deepen our understanding of the role of electrolyte additives in SEI formation, offering a promising strategy to improve the efficiency and lifespan of LIBs.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.87-103
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• 2019

Nonaqueous organic electrolyte solution in commercially available lithium-ion batteries, due to its flammability, corrosiveness, high volatility, and thermal instability, is demanding to be substituted by safer solid electrolyte with higher cycle stability, which will be utilized effectively in large-scale power sources such as electric vehicles and energy storage system. Of various types of solid electrolytes, composite solid electrolytes with polymer matrix and active inorganic fillers are now most promising in achieving higher ionic conductivity and excellent interface contact. In this review, some kinds and brief history of solid electrolyte are at first introduced and consequent explanations of polymer solid electrolytes and inorganic solid electrolytes (including active and inactive fillers) are comprehensively carried out. Composite solid electrolytes including these polymer and inorganic materials are also described with their electrochemical properties in terms of filler shapes, such as particle (0D), fiber (1D), plane (2D), and solid body (3D). In particular, in all-solid-state lithium batteries using lithium metal anode, the interface characteristics are discussed in terms of cathode-electrolyte interface, anode-electrolyte interface, and interparticle interface. Finally, current requisites and future perspectives for the composite solid electrolytes are suggested by help of some decent reviews recently reported.

• Journal of the Korean Ceramic Society
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.356-360
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• 2015

The specific role of current collectors was investigated at the electrolyte/electrode interface of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Ag grids were fabricated as current collectors using electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jet printing for precise control of the grid geometry. The Ag grids reduced both the ohmic and polarization resistances as the pitch of the Ag grids decreased from $400{\mu}m$ to $100{\mu}m$. The effective electron distribution along the Ag grids improved the charge transport and transfer at the interface, extending the active reaction sites. Our results demonstrate the applicability of EHD jet printing to the fabrication of efficient current collectors for performance enhancement of SOFCs.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
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• 2017.05a
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• pp.169-169
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• 2017

Due to key roles for the electrochemical stability and charge capacity the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) has been extensively studied in anodes of a Li-ion battery cell. There is, however, few of investigation for cathodes. Using first-principles based calculations we describe atomic-level process of the SEI layer formation at the interface of a carbonate electrolyte and $LiMn_2O_4$ spinel cathode. Furthermore, using beyond the conventional density functional theory (DFT+U) calculations we examine the work function of the cathode and frontier orbitals of the electrolyte. Based on the results we propose that proton transfer at the interface is an essential mechanism initiating the SEI layer formation in the $LiMn_2O_4$. Our results can guide a design concept for stable and high capacity Li-ion battery cell through screening an optimum electrolyte fine-tuned energy band alignment for a given cathode.

• Journal of the Semiconductor & Display Technology
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.114-118
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• 2022

The stabilized all-solid-state battery structure indicate a fundamental alternative to the development of next-generation energy storage devices. Existing liquid electrolyte structures severely limit battery stability, creating safety concerns due to the growth of Li dendrites during rapid charge/discharge cycles. In this study, a low-dimensional graphene quantum dot layer structure was applied to demonstrate stable operating characteristics based on Li+ ion conductivity and excellent electrochemical performance. Transmission electron microscopy analysis was performed to elucidate the microstructure at the interface. The low-dimensional structure of GQD-based solid electrolytes has provided an important strategy for stable scalable solid-state lithium battery applications at room temperature. This study indicates that the low-dimensional carbon structure of Li-GQDs can be an effective approach for the stabilization of solid-state Li matrix architectures.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.170-172
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• 2014

$CO_2$ sensor was used only one solid electrolyte in many cases. To improve the sensing characteristics of $CO_2$ sensors, solid electrolyte $CO_2$ sensor has been developed by bi-electrolyte type sensor using Na-Beta-alumina and YSZ. However, in many further studies, bi-electrolyte type sensor was made by pellet pressed by press machine and additional treatment for formation of interface. In the aspect of mass production, using thick film and additional treatment is not suitable. In this study, $CO_2$ sensor was fabricated by bi-electrolyte structure which was made by an NBA paste layer deposited on YSZ pellet and fired at $1650^{\circ}C$ for 2 hour. The formation of stable interface between YSZ and NBA were confirmed by SEM image. When the type IV electrochemical cell arrangement represented by $CO_2,O_2,Pt{\mid}Li_2CO_3-CaCO_3{\parallel}NBA{\parallel}YSZ{\mid}O_2,Pt$ is used to measure the $CO_2$ concentration in air. This sensor EMF should depend only on the concentration of $CO_2$ by logarithmic. Also, sensor shows $P_{CO_2}$ and EMF relationship like nerstian reaction at a temperature of $450^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.411-417
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• 2020

In this study, we introduce a Na β"-alumina composite thick film as a solid electrolyte, to reduce the resistance of electrolyte for a Na/S battery. An alumina/zirconia composite material was used to enhance the mechanical properties of the electrolyte. A solid electrolyte of about 40 ㎛ thick was successfully fabricated through the conversion and tape-casting methods. In order to investigate the effect of the surface treatment process of the solid electrolyte on the battery performance, the electrolyte was polished by dry and wet processes, respectively, and then the Na/S batteries were prepared for analyzing the battery characteristics. The battery with the dry process performed much better than the battery made with the wet process. As a result, the battery manufactured by the dry process showed excellent performance. Therefore, it is confirmed that the surface treatment process of the solid electrolyte has an important effect on the battery capacity and coulombic efficiency, as well as the interface reaction.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.530-540
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• 2024

All-solid-state rechargeable batteries, using nonflammable sulfide-based solid electrolytes, address lithium-ion battery safety issues while enhancing energy density and operating temperature range. However, the electrochemical stability limitations of sulfide electrolytes present challenges to the interface stability, particularly with oxide-based cathodes. The application of a stable coating layer is known to be effective for stabilizing the cathode/sulfide electrolyte interface. In particular, lithium borate is a promising coating material owing to its cost-effectiveness and efficiency in controlling interfacial reactions. However, lithium borate exhibits oxide characteristics, leading to a difference in the chemical potential of Li⁺ compared to sulfide electrolytes. This discrepancy results in an uneven distribution of Li⁺ ions at the interface, which hinders Li-ion migration during charge and discharge cycles. To address this issue, a lithium borate-coating layer was modified with sulfur via a gaseous reaction involving sulfur. Sulfur-modified lithium borate is expected to reduce the chemical potential difference of Li⁺ and enhance the electrochemical properties. To confirm the effectiveness of sulfur modification, the electrochemical properties of coated and pristine samples were compared via various analysis tools. The results confirmed that sulfur modification can further improve the effect of lithium borate coating in enhancing the rate capability and cyclic performance of a battery. Additionally, it was observed that sulfur modification further reduces interfacial resistance and considerably improves the control of side reactions.

• Corrosion Science and Technology
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.334-342
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• 2024

The need for efficient and sustainable energy storage solutions has emerged due to a rapidly increasing energy demand and growing concerns about environmental issues. Among various energy storage methods, lithium secondary batteries are widely used in a variety of electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and large-scale power storage systems due to their high energy density, long lifespan, and cost competitiveness. Recently, all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) have attracted great attention because they can reduce the risk of fire associated with liquid electrolytes. Additionally, using high-capacity alternative anodes and cathodes in ASSBs can enhance energy density. However, ASSBs that use solid electrolytes experience a degradation in their electrochemical performances due to resistance at solid-solid interfaces. These interfaces can also result in poor physical contact and the presence of products formed from chemical and electrochemical reactions. Solving this interface problem is a critical issue for the commercialization of ASSBs. This review summarizes interfacial reactions between the cathode and solid electrolyte, along with research aimed at improving these interactions. Future development directions in this field are also discussed.