Electrochemical Properties of High Entropy Materials

Applying the high-entropy concept to energy storage materials is a highly promising approach towards novel electrochemically active materials. The focus of our research lies in Li-ion and post Li-ion batteries, electrolysis, and supercapacitors.
Electrochemical Properties of HEM

High‐entropy materials, especially high‐entropy oxides (HEO), have gained significant interest over the last few years due to their unique structural characteristics and possibility for tailoring of functional properties. These compounds comprise the incorporation of multiple metal cations into single-phase crystal structures and interactions among the various metal cations leading to interesting novel and unexpected properties. Owing to their robust Li-ion storage properties induced by the entropy stabilization effect, transition-metal-based HEO are considered promising materials for use in electrochemical applications, e.g. Li-ion batteries.

The work of our group extends from the synthesis of such novel materials all the way to their integration in full liquid electrolyte based battery cells.

Current Research Projects

Development of anode materials

An example is the high-entropy anode material (Co0.2Cu0.2Mg0.2Ni0.2Zn0.2)O (specific capacity: 600 mAhg-1), which was synthesized, processed and successfully cycled. The cycling performance was studied. Additionally, atomic probe tomography (APT) results showed that the constituent cations in all HEO systems were homogenously distributed even at the atomic scale.

Top left: XRD-pattern showing single-phase material with rock-salt structure after synthesis, top right: analysis via TEM and EDX showing even elemental distribution, bottom: electrochemical behavior during cycling versus Li/Li+

Development of cathode materials

For the application as cathode materials multi-anionic and -cationic compounds are prepared by facile mechano-chemistry using the transition-metal-based HEO as the precursor and LiF as the reactant, leading to formation of lithiated materials. The Li-containing entropy-stabilized oxyfluoride (Lix(Co0.2Cu0.2Mg0.2Ni0.2Zn0.2)OFx) exhibits a working potential of 3.4 V vs. Li+/Li and shows enhanced Li storage properties due to entropy stabilization, compared to conventional oxyfluorides. Additionally, it is observed that the electrochemical behavior of the high entropy oxides depends on each of the metal cations present, thus providing the opportunity to tailor the electrochemical properties by simply changing the elemental composition.

Top left: proof of formation of single phase from HEO and LiF during ball milling vi ARD, top right: analysis via TEM and EDX showing even elemental distribution, bottom: comparison of behavior of different HEO compounds during electrochemical cycling versus Li/Li+

Development of solid electrolytes

The application of the high entropy concept to different solid electrolytes is an emerging research field that would allow the assembly of a solid-state battery cell. Solid electrolytes need to meet several requirements, e.g. a large electrochemical window, chemical stability towards the electrode materials as well as thermal stability. One of the most promising solid electrolytes is the garnet-type oxide electrolyte LLZO. The material was successfully integrated in a battery cell. Established solid electrolyte systems provide grounds for further development by introducing the high-entropy concept.

The diversity of materials design, provided by the entropy‐mediated phase‐stabilization concept, allows engineering of new functional materials for a variety of electrochemical applications, warranting further studies in this emerging field of materials science.

Recent Publications


Researchers Working on the Electrochemistry of HEM
Portrait Name E-Mail Phone
Simon Schweidler
simon schweidler does-not-exist.kit edu +49 (0) 721 608-28906
Ben Breitung
ben breitung does-not-exist.kit edu +49 721 608-23109
Ling Lin
ling lin does-not-exist.partner kit edu +49 721 608-26364
Yanyan Cui
yanyan cui does-not-exist.partner kit edu +49 721 608-26444
David Stenzel
david stenzel does-not-exist.kit edu +49 721 608-28906
Headshot_Miriam_1
miriam botros does-not-exist.kit edu +49 721 608-28973