Protective Solid Electrolyte Films for Thin Li-Ion Cells

Thin films of Li2CO3 are under consideration for use as passivating layers between electrodes and solid electrolytes in advanced thin-film lithium-ion electrochemical cells. By suppressing undesired chemical reactions as described below, the Li2CO3 films could help to prolong the shelf lives, increase the specific energies, and simplify the fabrication of the cells. Batteries comprising one or more cells of this type could be used as sources of power in such miniature electronic circuits as those in “smart” cards, implantable electronic medical devices, sensors, portable communication devices, and hand-held computers.