Published by Claudiu “Bobby” Bucur
Claudiu B. Bucur obtained his Ph.D. in 2008 from Florida State University under the mentorship of distinguished Leo Mandelkern Professor of Polymer Science, Joseph B. Schlenoff. He studied the manner in which polyelectrolyte multilayers assemble, and how doping them with ions changes their mechanical and thermodynamic properties. In 2010 he completed his postdoctoral studies at the USDA Agricultural Research Service Labs, where he investigated corrosion inhibition via biomembranes. Dr. Bucur then joined the Post Lithium Ion Research Group at the Toyota Research Institute of North America, where he focused on metallic anodes such as magnesium, lithium, sodium, and their electrolytes as well as high capacity conversion cathodes such as the sulfur cathode. He expanded upon his experience with polymers, corrosion, and interfaces and was able to advance many areas in the battery field. Currently, Dr. Bucur is Chief Engineer for new battery and solid electrolyte projects at Great Wall Motor, the largest SUV manufacturer in China. He is fascinated by energy storage and dreams of creating the ultimate battery.
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Thank you for your informative series. One issue I have regarding your discussion of propagation of Li dendrites through LLZO is that you claim that it is due to higher ionic conductivity along grain boundaries (GB’s) than through the bulk of the grain. Actually, the majority of data shows that ionic conductivity is LOWER at GB’s than through the bulk. While the jury is out on the actual causes and mechanisms, the picture emerging for Li propagation is that Li metal prefers to travel along defects, such as small cracks and GB’s, during cycling. Even though Li metal is much softer than LLZO by orders of magnitude, the pressures induced during cycling are enough to cause fracture at these defects. The metal then travels along defects, perhaps as molten Li because of Joule heating; essentially, LLZO is a heat insulator, and Li has a relatively low melting temperature. During cycling, the heat generated is trapped at the Li. It melts and travels along these ever-growing defects.
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