| abstract |
One embodiment of the invention is method of inhibiting the shuttle effect by preventing migration of selenium or metal selenide ions from a cathode to an anode of an alkali metal-selenium battery, the method comprising: (a) combining an anode active material layer, a cathode active material layer, an electrically insulating porous separator disposed between the anode active material layer and the cathode active material layer, and electrolyte to form an alkali metal-selenium battery cell, and (b) implementing a porous trapping layer, having a thickness from 5 nm to 100 μm, between the cathode active material layer and the electrically insulating porous separator to trap selenium or metal selenide ions that are dissolved in the electrolyte from the cathode active material layer. Such a method enables the formation of an alkali metal-selenium battery exhibiting a long cycle life. |