Thermal instability of organic esters and ethers with deposited lithium in lithium-ion battery

The thermal instabilities of deposited lithium with electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries are simulated by the reactions between metallic lithium with organic esters and ethers. Exothermic onset temperatures and enthalpy changes are measured and analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry. In this study, heat of reactions in lithium with eight different formations of esters and ethers are determined which are consistent to the data of lithiated graphite (LiC₆) reacted with electrolytes in literature. Furthermore, violently exothermic reactions with enthalpy larger than 1,000 J g^?1 and onset temperature lower than 120 °C are further conducted by the confinement test to verify the worst scenarios and consequences of lithium-ion batteries encountered any kind of abuses. Thermal instability of metallic lithium with organic esters in descending order determined to be Li + EB (70 °C)>Li + MB (73.1 °C)>Li + EA (90.8 °C). Finally, thermal hazard data such as onset temperature, maximum self-heat rate, maximum temperature, and maximum pressure of lithium reacted with esters and ethers are compared, evaluated, and some conclusion and suggestions are made.     

Characterization of lithium alkyl carbonates by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: experimental and theoretical study

Lithium alkyl carbonates ROCO2Li result from the reductive decomposition of dialkyl carbonates, which are the organic solvents used in the electrolytes of common lithium-ion batteries. They play a crucial role in the formation of surface layers at the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. In this work, we report on the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterization of synthesized lithium methyl and ethyl carbonates. Using Hartree-Fock ab initio calculations, we interpret and simulate the valence spectra of both samples, as well as several other Li alkyl carbonates involved in Li-ion batteries. We show that Li alkyl carbonates can be identified at the electrode's surface by a combined analysis of XPS core peaks and valence spectra.     

Evaluation of thermal hazard for commercial 14500 lithium-ion batteries

Commercial lithium-ion batteries ranged from different sizes, shapes, capacities, electrolytes, anode and cathode materials, etc. have recently caused many incidents under abusive or normal operating conditions worldwide. Inherently safer designs with active or passive protections have became the captious issues that need more attentions paid to. In this study, the worst scenarios on thermal runaway of four commercial batteries were conducted and compared. A customized-made closed testing instrument was utilized to measure and track thermal behaviors of four brands of cylindrical lithium-ion batteries under maximum open circuit voltage condition. Characteristics on thermal hazards of lithium-ion batteries such as onset temperature, maximum temperature, maximum self-heat rate, maximum pressures, battery mass loss, etc. were measured and evaluated. Results point out that one brand of cells reached the maximum temperature and maximum self-heat rate of 590.9 K and 1,130.4 K min^?1, respectively. In conclusion, in case of thermal runaway all the lithium-ion batteries will rupture the cell and catch fire automatically owing to the maximum temperatures over the auto-ignition temperature of electrolytes and the maximum pressure higher than four times of maximum allowable working pressure, respectively. In addition, Lithium-ion battery with cathode material of LiFePO₄ was verified to be more stable than the lithium-ion battery with cathode material of LiMn₂O₄ or LiCoO₂.     

全固态电池界面的研究进展

Owing to the serious energy crisis and environmental problems caused by fossil energy consumption, development of high-energy-density batteries is becoming increasingly significant to satisfy the rapidly growing social demands. Lithium-ion batteries have received widespread attention because of their high energy densities and environmental friendliness. At present, they are widely used in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles. However, security aspects need to be addressed urgently. Substantial advances in liquid electrolyte-based lithium-ion batteries have become a performance bottleneck in the recent years. Traditional lithium-ion batteries use organic liquids as electrolytes, but the flammability and corrosion of these electrolytes considerably limit their development. Continuous growth of lithium dendrites can pierce the separator, leading to electrolyte leakage and combustion, which is a serious safety hazard. Replacement of organic electrolytes with solid-state electrolytes is one of the promising solutions for the development of next-generation energy storage devices, because they have high energy densities and are safe. Solid electrolytes can remarkably alleviate the safety hazards involved in the use of traditional liquid-based lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the composite of solid-state electrolytes and lithium metal is expected to result in a higher energy density. However, due to the lack of fluidity of the solid electrolytes, problems such as limited solid-solid contact area and increased impedance at the interface when solid-state electrolytes are in contact with electrodes must be solved. The localized and buried interface is a major drawback that restricts the electrochemical performance and practical applications of the solid-state batteries. Fabrication of a stable interface between the electrodes and solid-state electrolyte is the main challenge in the development of solid-state lithium metal batteries. All these aspects are critical to the electrochemical performance and safety of the solid-state batteries. Current research mainly focuses on addressing the problems related to the solid-solid interface in solid-state batteries and improving the electrochemical performance of such batteries. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the challenges in the fabrication of solid-state batteries, including poor chemical and electrochemical compatibilities and mechanical instability. Research progress on the improvement strategies for interface problems and the advanced characterization methods for the interface problems are discussed in detail. Meanwhile, we also propose a prospect for the future development of solid-state batteries to guide the rational designing of next-generation high-energy solid-state batteries. There are many critical problems in solid-state batteries that must be fully understood. With further research, all-solid-state batteries are expected to replace the traditional liquid-based lithium-ion batteries and become an important system for a safe and reliable energy storage.     

新型锂盐LiBC2O4F2在EC＋DMC溶剂中的电化学行为

采用差热-热重(TG-DTA)、恒电流充放电和交流阻抗(EIS)分析了二氟草酸硼酸锂(LiODFB)的热稳定性,研究了LiODFB/碳酸乙烯酯(EC)+碳酸二甲酯(DMC)电解液的电化学性能及界而特征.实验结果表明,LiODFB不仅具有更高的热稳定性,而且在EC+DMC溶剂中具有较好的电化学性能.与使用LiPF6/EC+DMC的电解液相比,锂离子电池应用LiODFB基电解液在55℃的高温具有更好的容量保持能力;以0.5C、1C(1C=250 mA·g-1)倍率循环放电,两种电池间的倍率性能差别较小;LiODFB能够在1.5 V(vs Li/Li+)左右在石墨电极表面还原形成一个优异稳定的保护性固体电解质相界面膜(SEI膜);交流阻抗表明,使用LiODFB基电解液的锂离子电池仅具有稍微增加的界面阻抗.因此LiODFB是一种非常有希望替代LiPF6用作锂离子电池的新盐.     

Realisation of an all solid state lithium battery using solid high temperature plastic crystal electrolytes exhibiting liquid like conductivity

Replacement of volatile and combustible electrolytes in conventional lithium batteries is desirable for two reasons: safety concerns and increase in specific energy. In this work we consider the use of an ionic organic plastic crystal material (IOPC), N-ethyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium tetrafluoroborate, [C2mpyr][BF(4)], as a solid-state electrolyte for lithium battery applications. The effect of inclusion of 1 to 33 mol% lithium tetrafluoroborate, LiBF(4), into [C2mpyr][BF(4)] has been investigated over a wide temperature range by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and cycling of full Li|LiFePO(4) batteries. The increases in ionic conductivity by orders of magnitude observed at higher temperature are most likely associated with an increase in Li ion mobility in the highest plastic phase. At concentrations >5 mol% LiBF(4) the ionic conductivity of these solid-state composites is comparable to the ionic conductivity of room temperature ionic liquids. Galvanostatic cycling of Li|Li symmetrical cells showed that the reversibility of the lithium metal redox reaction at the interface of this plastic crystal electrolyte is sufficient for lithium battery applications. For the first time we demonstrate an all solid state lithium battery incorporating solid electrolytes based on IOPC as opposed to conventional flammable organic solvents.     

新型锂盐LiBC2O4F2在EC+DMC溶剂中的电化学行为

采用差热-热重(TG-DTA)、恒电流充放电和交流阻抗(EIS)分析了二氟草酸硼酸锂(LiODFB)的热稳定性, 研究了LiODFB/碳酸乙烯酯(EC)+碳酸二甲酯(DMC)电解液的电化学性能及界面特征. 实验结果表明, LiODFB不仅具有更高的热稳定性, 而且在EC+DMC溶剂中具有较好的电化学性能. 与使用LiPF6/EC+DMC的电解液相比, 锂离子电池应用LiODFB基电解液在55 ℃的高温具有更好的容量保持能力; 以0.5C、1C(1C=250 mA·g-1)倍率循环放电, 两种电池间的倍率性能差别较小; LiODFB能够在1.5 V(vs Li/Li+)左右在石墨电极表面还原形成一个优异稳定的保护性固体电解质相界面膜(SEI膜); 交流阻抗表明, 使用LiODFB基电解液的锂离子电池仅具有稍微增加的界面阻抗. 因此LiODFB是一种非常有希望替代LiPF6用作锂离子电池的新盐.     

Predicting solvent stability in aprotic electrolyte Li-air batteries: nucleophilic substitution by the superoxide anion radical (O2(•-))

There is increasing evidence that cyclic and linear carbonates, commonly used solvents in Li ion battery electrolytes, are unstable in the presence of superoxide and thus are not suitable for use in rechargeable Li-air batteries employing aprotic electrolytes. A detailed understanding of related decomposition mechanisms provides an important basis for the selection and design of stable electrolyte materials. In this article, we use density functional theory calculations with a Poisson-Boltzmann continuum solvent model to investigate the reactivity of several classes of aprotic solvents in nucleophilic substitution reactions with superoxide. We find that nucleophilic attack by O(2)(?-) at the O-alkyl carbon is a common mechanism of decomposition of organic carbonates, sulfonates, aliphatic carboxylic esters, lactones, phosphinates, phosphonates, phosphates, and sulfones. In contrast, nucleophilic reactions of O(2)(?-) with phenol esters of carboxylic acids and O-alkyl fluorinated aliphatic lactones proceed via attack at the carbonyl carbon. Chemical functionalities stable against nucleophilic substitution by superoxide include N-alkyl substituted amides, lactams, nitriles, and ethers. The results establish that solvent reactivity is strongly related to the basicity of the organic anion displaced in the reaction with superoxide. Theoretical calculations are complemented by cyclic voltammetry to study the electrochemical reversibility of the O(2)/O(2)(?-) couple containing tetrabutylammonium salt and GCMS measurements to monitor solvent stability in the presence of KO(2)(?) and a Li salt. These experimental methods provide efficient means for qualitatively screening solvent stability in Li-air batteries. A clear correlation between the computational and experimental results is established. The combination of theoretical and experimental techniques provides a powerful means for identifying and designing stable solvents for rechargeable Li-air batteries.     

锂离子电池有机硅电解液

有机硅电解液具有优良的热稳定性、低可燃性、无毒性、高电导率和高分解电压等优点,近年来成为了锂离子电池新型电解液的研究热点。本文综述了有机硅电解液的研究进展,重点介绍了聚醚有机硅电解液的设计合成、物理化学性能、与电解质盐和电极材料的匹配性关系及其在电池中的性能表现;简述了有机硅功能化电解液添加剂的研究进展,如成膜添加剂、阻燃添加剂、吸酸吸水添加剂等;最后对有机硅电解液的进一步研究趋势和应用前景进行了展望。     

高锂离子电导的有机-无机复合电解质的渗流结构设计

固态聚合物电解质被认为是解决传统液态锂金属电池安全隐患和循环性能的关键材料,但仍然存在离子电导率低,界面兼容性差等问题。近年来,基于无机填料与聚合物电解质的高锂离子电导的有机-无机复合电解质备受关注。根据渗流理论,有机-无机界面被认为是复合电解质离子电导率改善的主要原因。因此,设计与优化有机-无机渗流界面对提高复合电解质离子电导率具有重要意义。本文从渗流结构的设计出发,综述了不同维度结构的无机填料用于高锂离子电导的有机-无机复合电解质的研究进展,并对比分析了不同渗流结构的优缺点。基于上述评述,展望了有机-无机复合电解质的未来发展趋势和方向。     

Effect of solvents on properties of polymer gel-electrolyte based on polyester diacrylate

New polymer gel electrolytes based on polyester diacrylates and LiClO₄ salt solutions in organic solvents are developed for lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries with a high ionic conductivity up to 2.7 × 10^?3 Ohm^?1cm^?1 at the room temperature. To choose the optimum liquid electrolyte composition, the dependence is studied of physico-chemical parameters of new gel electrolytes on the composition of the mixture of aprotic organic solvents: ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, and λ-butyrolacton. The bulk conductivity of gel electrolytes and exchange currents at the gel electrolyte/Li interface are studied using the electrochemical impedance method in symmetrical cells with two Li electrodes. The glass transition temperature and gel homogeneity are determined using the method of differential scanning calorimetry. It is found that the optimum mixture is that of propylene carbonate and λ-butyrolacton, in which a homogeneous polymer gel is formed in a wide temperature range of ?150 to +50°C.     

Electrospun cellulose acetate/poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanofibrous membrane for polymer lithium-ion batteries

The membranes for gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) for lithium-ion batteries were prepared by electrospinning a blend of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) with cellulose acetate (CA). The performances of the prepared membranes and the resulted GPEs were investigated, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), porosity, hydrophilicity, electrolyte uptake, mechanical property, thermal stability, AC impedance measurements, linear sweep voltammetry, and charge–discharge cycle tests. The effect of the ratio of CA to PVdF on the performance of the prepared membranes was considered. It is found that the GPE based on the blended polymer with CA:PVdF =2:8 (in weight) has an outstanding combination property-strength (11.1 MPa), electrolyte uptake (768.2 %), thermal stability (no shrinkage under 80 °C without tension), and ionic conductivity (2.61 × 10^?3 S cm^?1). The Li/GPE/LiCoO₂ battery using this GPE exhibits superior cyclic stability and storage performance at room temperature. Its specific capacity reaches up to 204.15 mAh g^?1, with embedded lithium capacity utilization rate of 74.94 %, which is higher than the other lithium-ion batteries with the same cathode material LiCoO₂ (about 50 %).     

Critical challenges and progress of solid garnet electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries

Significant safety problems and poor cyclic stability of conventional lithium-ion batteries, which based on organic liquid electrolytes, hinder their practical application, while all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are considered the most promising candidates to replace traditional lithium-ion batteries. As a critical component of ASSBs, solid-state electrolytes play an essential role in ion transport properties and stability. At present, the solid garnet electrolyte is considered as one of the most promising electrolytes because of its excellent performance. However, it still faces many challenges in ionic conductivity, air stability, electrode/electrolyte interface, and lithium dendrites. Therefore, this review is concerned about the up-to-date progress and challenges which will greatly influence the large-scale application of solid garnet electrolytes. Firstly, various ways to improve the ionic conductivity of solid garnet electrolytes are comprehensively summarized. Then, the stability of solid garnet electrolytes in the air is carefully discussed. Secondly, the latest progress in interface engineering between anode/cathode and solid garnet electrolytes treated by different methods is reported. The formation mechanism and influencing factors of lithium dendrites in the solid garnet electrolyte are systematically focused on. Finally, the development and innovation of composite solid garnet electrolytes and 3D garnet electrolytes are summarized in detail. Some important characterization techniques for studying the aforementioned problems are also summarized. Based on the current development of solid garnet electrolytes and solid-state batteries, further challenges and perspectives are presented.     

固态锂电池中正极/电解质界面的密度泛函计算研究

锂离子电池的广泛应用对储能器件的能量密度、安全性和充放电速度提出了新的要求. 全固态锂电池与传统锂离子电池相比具有更少的副反应和更高的安全性,已成为下一代储能器件的首选. 构建匹配的电极/电解质界面是在全固态锂电池中获得优异综合性能的关键. 本文采用第一性原理计算研究了固态电池中电解质表面及正极/电解质界面的局域结构和锂离子输运性质. 选取β-Li₃PS₄ (010)/LiCoO₂ (104)和 Li₄GeS₄ (010)/LiCoO₂ (104)体系计算了界面处的成键情况及锂离子的迁移势垒. 部分脱锂态的正极/电解质界面上由于Co-S成键的加强削弱了P/Ge-S键的强度,降低了对Li⁺的束缚,从而导致了更低的锂离子迁移势垒. 理解界面局域结构及其对Li+输运性质的影响将有助于我们在固态电池中构建性能优异的电极/电解质界面.     

Challenges of Lithium Metal Anode Enlightened from 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

The 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three scientists who have made great contributions in discovery of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs). The LIBs with graphite as anode have dominated the rechargeable battery markets of portable electronics and electric vehicles(EVs). For the next-generation batteries, high energy density is the important trend of development. Thus lithium metal is considered as the most promising anode owing to its highest theoretical capacity and the lowest electrochemical potential. However, the severe safety concerns hinder its practical application. The uncontrollable growth of lithium dendrites leads to capacity decay, low Coulombic efficiency, possible short circuit and thermal runaway. In this perspective, various methods to protect Li metal anode have been analyzed. The development of solid-state electrolytes(SSEs) and the role of lithium anode in SSEs are discussed. Several new strategies for improving the safety of Li metal based batteries are proposed to realize the real market-oriented security applications.     

New electrolytes using Li2O or Li2O2 oxides and tris(pentafluorophenyl) borane as boron based anion receptor for lithium batteries

A new system of electrolytes has been developed and studied for lithium-ion batteries. This new system is based on the interactions between Li₂O or Li₂O₂ and tris(pentafluorophenyl) borane (TPFPB) in carbonate based organic solvents. This opens up a completely new approach in developing non-aqueous electrolytes. In general, the solubility of Li₂O or Li₂O₂ is very low in organic solvents and the ionic conductivities of these solutions are almost undetectable. By adding certain amount of tris(pentafluorophenyl) borane (TPFPB), one type of boron based anion receptors (BBARs), the solubility of Li₂O or Li₂O₂ in carbonate based solvents was significantly enhanced. In addition, the Li⁺ transference numbers of these new electrolytes measured were as high as 0.7, which are more than 100% higher than the values for the conventional electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. The room-temperature conductivities are around 1 × 10⁻³ S/cm. These new electrolytes are compatible with LiMn₂O₄ cathode for lithium-ion batteries.     

锂离子电池电解质的新型锂盐――双乙二酸硼酸锂

介绍了一种新型锂盐――双乙二酸硼酸锂(LiBOB)的基本性质及制备进展,并重点综述了其在锂电中应用的有关研究,包括基于LiBOB电解液的导电性研究,对负极材料、正极材料的稳定性研究,与其他锂盐在锂离子电池中混合使用的性能研究等。     

New lithium salts in electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries (Review)

The properties of electrolyte systems based on standard nonaqueous solvent composed of a mixture of dialkyl and alkylene carbonates and new commercially available lithium salts potentially capable of being an alternative to thermally unstable and chemically active lithium hexafluorophosphate LiPF₆ in the mass production of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are surveyed. The advantages and drawbacks of electrolytes containing lithium salts alternative to LiPF₆ are discussed. The real prospects of substitution for LiPF₆ in electrolyte solutions aimed at improving the functional characteristics of lithium-ion batteries are assessed. Special attention is drawn to the efficient use of new lithium salts in the cells with electrodes based on materials predominantly used in the current mass production of lithium-ion batteries: grafitic carbon (negative electrode), LiCoO₂, LiMn₂O₄, LiFePO₄, and also solid solutions isostructural to lithium cobaltate with the general composition LiMO₂ (M = Co, Mn, Ni, Al) (positive electrode).     

氟代溶剂在锂金属电池中的应用

近年来，锂金属电池由于具有较高的能量密度而成为储能领域的研究热点。电解液作为锂金属电池的“血液”发挥着至关重要的作用。在传统锂离子电池电解液中，锂金属负极与电解液之间的界面副反应严重并伴随着锂枝晶生长，从而导致安全隐患以及循环寿命缩短等问题。在解决锂金属负极问题上，电解液调控策略具有易操作性和有效性，因而在推动锂金属电池发展方面具有举足轻重的地位。氟代电解液是目前重要的研究方向，氟代电解液在循环过程中能够在电极表面形成富含LiF的固体电解质界面膜(SEI)；该界面膜不仅可以有效抑制负极锂枝晶的形成，并且在正极方面能够大幅提高电解液的氧化稳定性，从而提升高电压正极的适配性和锂金属电池的循环稳定性。氟代电解液中氟代溶剂/氟代锂盐的分子结构对电解液的溶剂化结构有重要影响。当氟代溶剂分子中氟原子的位置与数量不同时，氟代溶剂的物理化学性质也会随之发生变化，进而改变了电解液与电极的界面反应性。因此，氟代溶剂能够起到调制SEI膜成分和结构的作用，是决定电池性能的关键因素。本文总结了应用于锂金属电池的主要氟代溶剂，尤其是近几年来发展的新型氟代溶剂；着重介绍了高度氟代的溶剂分子作为局域超浓电解液的稀释剂，以及对溶剂进行精准分子设计得到的部分氟代溶剂等。此外，本文还分析探讨了氟代溶剂分子与电池性能之间的构效关系，展望了构建新型氟代溶剂分子的策略，希望能对电解液溶剂分子的结构设计以及构效关系的评估有一定的启发意义。     

氟代溶剂在锂金属电池中的应用

Lithium metal batteries, which use lithium metal as the anode, have attracted tremendous research interest in recent years, owing to their high energy density and potential for future energy storage applications. Despite their advantages such as high energy density, the safety concerns and short lifespan significantly impede their practical applications in transportation and electronic devices. Tremendous efforts have been devoted to overcoming these problems, including materials design, interface modification, and electrolyte engineering. Among these strategies, electrolyte regulation plays a key role in improving the efficiency, stability, and safety of lithium metal anodes. As an important class of electrolyte components, fluorinated solvents, which can decompose to form LiF-rich interphase layers on both anode and cathode, have been proven to enhance the stability of lithium metal anodes and improve the oxidative stability of the electrolytes. Meanwhile, the spatial structure of fluorinated solvents, such as the number and sites of fluorine atoms, can influence the physicochemical properties of the electrolytes and the compositions/structure of the solid-electrolyte interphase, which eventually dictates the cycling performance of Li metal batteries. Recently, many fluorinated solvents with different molecular structures have been designed to regulate the solvation structure of electrolytes, and these solvents exhibit novel electrochemical properties in lithium metal batteries. However, there are few comprehensive reviews that summarize the fluorinated solvents used in Li metal batteries and discuss their functions in electrolytes and their physicochemical properties. This review summarizes the novel fluorinated solvents used in lithium metal batteries in recent years, which have been classified into three parts: diluents, traditional solvents, and novel molecules, based on their functions in the electrolytes. In every part, the understanding of the interactions between fluorinated solvents and Li ions, the decomposition mechanism of fluorinated solvents at the interface of the electrode, the functions of fluorinated solvents in the electrolytes, and the structure-activity relationship between the fluorinated solvents and battery performance have been comprehensively summarized and discussed. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of fluorinated solvents have been discussed, and the importance of precisely controlling the number of fluorine atoms and the structure of fluorinated solvents has been emphasized. At the end of this review, a perspective for designing new fluorinated solvents has been proposed. We believe that this review can provide insights on designing novel fluorinated solvents for high-performance Li metal batteries.