Multi-functional stainless steel composite frames stabilize the sodium metal battery

• Published in: Journal of materials science & technology Vol. 149; pp. 112 - 118
• Main Authors: Li, Laiping, Luo, Yusheng, Yuan, Wenlu, Mou, Peizhi, Wu, Qi, Zhang, Lin, Chen, Yong, Shu, Jie, Zhang, Liyuan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 20.06.2023
• Subjects: Bubbles release; Electric field simulation; Self-limiting; Sodium metal battery; Stainless steel mesh; Sodium metal battery; Self-limiting; Bubbles release; Stainless steel mesh; Electric field simulation
• ISSN: 1005-0302; 1941-1162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2022.10.093

•Introduction of stainless steel frame with high mechanical strength to enhance the structural stability of Na metal by physical stacking strategy.•Construction of specific electric field distributions at the electrode/collector and electrode/electrolyte interfaces by modifying the stainless steel skeleton.•Utilization of rigidity stainless steel and the flexible PVDF film to form a special cavity structure to slow down the release of bubbles, forming a “self-limiting” effect. The sodium (Na) metal battery has the prospect of promising high energy density and sustainable technology for low-cost energy storage. However, the soft texture and high reactivity of Na cause it easy to structure collapse and produce side reactions with organic electrolytes. Inspired by ancient Chinese architecture, a structural engineering strategy is introduced to conquer the above issues. PVDF film-covered stainless steel mesh (SMPF) embedded in the obverse of Na metal to form a “self-limiting” Na/electrolyte interface and bare stainless steel mesh (SM) with high electronic conductivity embedded in the reverse of Na metal to form a uniformly electronic distributed Na/collector interface. Based on the electric field simulation and in-situ optical tests, the well-designed structure of the SM@Na@SMPF electrode can restrict the dendrite growth and slow down the bubbles release. The above strategies provide important technical support for the large-scale application of flexible Na metal batteries. The soft texture and high reactivity of Na cause it easy to structure collapse and produce side reactions with organic electrolytes. The stable Na metal electrode was constructed by physical stacking of PVDF film-covered stainless steel mesh (SMPF), bare Na, and stainless steel mesh (SM) to form the SM@Na@SMPF electrode. This well-designed structure provides a “self-limiting” effect and uniformly electronic distribution, supporting the large-scale application of flexible Na metal batteries [Display omitted]