Toward Practical Alloy Anode Based Solid State Batteries

Alloy-based anodes are regarded as safer and higher capacity alternatives to lithium metal and commercial graphite anodes respectively. However, their commercialization is hindered by poor stability and irreversible loss of active material during cycling. Combining non-flammable and electrochemically stable solid-state electrolytes with high-capacity alloy anodes has chemo-mechanical benefits that can address these long-standing issues. The distinctive interfacial characteristics of solid-state electrolytes reduce the impact of volume variation and dynamic reconstruction of the solid-electrolyte-interphase, thereby realizing the best of both worlds. In this perspective, the interfacial underpinnings for alloy anode based solid-state batteries that are crucial for their success are discussed. The goal is to update the audience with key recent findings that can lay the foundation for future research work in this area. The relevant steps toward commercialization of alloy anode based solid-state batteries are also discussed, starting from bulk and interface architectures to electrode composite preparation and final cell assembly. Solid-state battery research has primarily focused on lithium metal anodes that suffer from poor stability issues and dendrite-induced failure. Recently, alloy anodes such as silicon, tin and antimony have emerged as safe and promising alternatives. This perspective includes recent progress in this dynamic research area and relevant steps toward the commercialization of alloy anode-based solid-state batteries.image