Interfacial Effects in Lithium and Sodium Batteries

Abstract

Modern batteries are composite systems that contain a high density of interfaces. Device performance is often determined by effects that emerge at interfaces. A survey of these phemonena is presented here. At essentially all interfaces, space charge layers are present that can modify the charge transport, transfer, and storage properties. Practical interfaces show additional complex phenomena, including passivation layer formation, current constriction, partial blocking of mobile species, and a variety of other effects. Some characteristic interfacial issues associated with the four mass storage modes are described and a few specific points that arise in solid state batteries are discussed.