Enhanced performance in mixture DMSO/ionic liquid electrolytes: Toward rechargeable Li –O2 batteries

A mixture electrolyte based on dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 1-butyl-1-methyl-pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [BMP][NTf₂], with excellent reversibility of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) has been reported for Li–O₂ batteries. The effect of the mixture electrolyte on current density, oxygen solubility, diffusion coefficient and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) mechanism was investigated. The presence of [BMP][NTf₂] increases the solubility of oxygen and while DMSO improves the reversibility of ORR and OER by facilitating the solubility of Li₂O_x. Cyclic voltammetric studies showed that mixed electrolyte showed significantly enhanced current density and reversibility for ORR and OER compared to pure DMSO or [BMP][NTf₂].     

Electrochemical behavior of Li[Li0.2Co0.3Mn0.5]O2 as cathode material in Li2SO4 aqueous electrolyte

Layered, lithium-rich Li[Li_0.2Co_0.3Mn_0.5]O₂ cathode material is synthesized by reactions under autogenic pressure at elevated temperature (RAPET) method, and its electrochemical behavior is studied in 2?M Li₂SO₄ aqueous solution and compared with that in a non-aqueous electrolyte. In cyclic voltammetry (CV), Li[Li_0.2Co_0.3Mn_0.5]O₂ electrode exhibits a pair of reversible redox peaks corresponding to lithium ion intercalation and deintercalation at the safe potential window without causing the electrolysis of water. CV experiments at various scan rates revealed a linear relationship between the peak current and the square root of scan rate for all peak pairs, indicating that the lithium ion intercalation–deintercalation processes are diffusion controlled. The corresponding diffusion coefficients are found to be in the order of 10^?8?cm²?s^?1. A typical cell employing Li[Li_0.2Co_0.3Mn_0.5]O₂ as cathode and LiTi₂(PO₄)₃ as anode in 2?M Li₂SO₄ solution delivers a discharge capacity of 90?mA?h g^?1. Electrochemical impedance spectral data measured at various discharge potentials are analyzed to determine the kinetic parameters which characterize intercalation–deintercalation of lithium ions in Li[Li_0.2Co_0.3Mn_0.5]O₂ from 2?M Li₂SO₄ aqueous electrolyte.     

A Versatile Halide Ester Enabling Li‐Anode Stability and a High Rate Capability in Lithium–Oxygen Batteries

Li‐O₂ batteries are promising candidates for next‐generation high‐energy‐density battery systems. However, the main problems of Li–O₂ batteries include the poor rate capability of the cathode and the instability of the Li anode. Herein, an ester‐based liquid additive, 2,2,2‐trichloroethyl chloroformate, was introduced into the conventional electrolyte of a Li–O₂ battery. Versatile effects of this additive on the oxygen cathode and the Li metal anode became evident. The Li–O₂ battery showed an outstanding rate capability of 2005 mAh g^?1 with a remarkably decreased charge potential at a large current density of 1000 mA g^?1. The positive effect of the halide ester on the rate capacity is associated with the improved solubility of Li₂O₂ in the electrolyte and the increased diffusion rate of O₂. Furthermore, the ester promotes the formation of a solid–electrolyte interphase layer on the surface of the Li metal, which restrains the loss and volume change of the Li electrode during stripping and plating, thereby achieving a cycling stability over 900 h and a Li capacity utilization of up to 10 mAh cm^?2.     

Ionic Liquid Electrolyte with Weak Solvating Molecule Regulation for Stable Li Deposition in High-Performance Li−O2 Batteries

Li−O₂ batteries with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide-based ionic liquid (TFSI-IL) electrolyte are promising because TFSI-IL can stabilize O₂⁻ to lower charge overpotential. However, slow Li⁺ transport in TFSI-IL electrolyte causes inferior Li deposition. Here we optimize weak solvating molecule (anisole) to generate anisole-doped ionic aggregate in TFSI-IL electrolyte. Such unique solvation environment can realize not only high Li⁺ transport parameters but also anion-derived solid electrolyte interface (SEI). Thus, fast Li⁺ transport is achieved in electrolyte bulk and SEI simultaneously, leading to robust Li deposition with high rate capability (3 mA cm⁻²) and long cycle life (2000 h at 0.2 mA cm⁻²). Moreover, Li−O₂ batteries show good cycling stability (a small overpotential increase of 0.16 V after 120 cycles) and high rate capability (1 A g⁻¹). This work provides an effective electrolyte design principle to realize stable Li deposition and high-performance Li−O₂ batteries.     

Electrochemical performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 doped with la and its compatiblity with new electrolyte system

Cathode materials LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ and LiNi_{0.5 ? x/2}La _x Mn_{1.5 ? x/2}O₄ (x = 0.04, 0.1, 0.14) were successfully prepared by the sol-gel self-combustion reaction (SCR) method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated that, a few of doping La ions did not change the structure of LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ material. The scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) showed that the sample heated at 800°C for 12 h and then annealed at 600°C for 10 h exhibited excellent geometry appearance. A novel electrolyte system, 0.7 mol L^?1 lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB)-propylene carbonate (PC)/dimethyl carbonate (DMC) (1: 1, v/v), was used in the cycle performance test of the cell. The results showed that the cell with this novel electrolyte system performed better than the one with traditional electrolyte system, 1.0 mol L^?1 LiPF₆-ethylene carbonate (EC)/DMC (1: 1, v/v). And the electrochemical properties tests showed that LiNi_0.45La_0.1Mn_1.45O₄/Li cell performed better than LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄/Li cell at cycle performance, median voltage, and efficiency.     

Effect of plasticizers (EC or PC) on the ionic conductivity and thermal properties of the (PEO)9LiTf: Al2O3 nanocomposite polymer electrolyte system

A new plasticized nanocomposite polymer electrolyte based on poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO)-LiTf dispersed with ceramic filler (Al₂O₃) and plasticized with propylene carbonate (PC), ethylene carbonate (EC), and a mixture of EC and PC (EC+PC) have been studied for their ionic conductivity and thermal properties. The incorporation of plasticizers alone will yield polymer electrolytes with enhanced conductivity but with poor mechanical properties. However, mechanical properties can be improved by incorporating ceramic fillers to the plasticized system. Nanocomposite solid polymer electrolyte films (200–600 μm) were prepared by common solvent-casting method. In present work, we have shown the ionic conductivity can be substantially enhanced by using the combined effect of the plasticizers as well as the inert filler. It was revealed that the incorporating 15 wt.% Al₂O₃ filler in to PEO: LiTf polymer electrolyte significantly enhanced the ionic conductivity [σ _RT (max)?=?7.8?×?10^?6 S cm^?1]. It was interesting to observe that the addition of PC, EC, and mixture of EC and PC to the PEO: LiTf: 15 wt.% Al₂O₃ CPE showed further conductivity enhancement. The conductivity enhancement with EC is higher than PC. However, mixture of plasticizer (EC+PC) showed maximum conductivity enhancement in the temperature range interest, giving the value [σ _RT (max)?=?1.2?×?10^?4 S cm^?1]. It is suggested that the addition of PC, EC, or a mixture of EC and PC leads to a lowering of glass transition temperature and increasing the amorphous phase of PEO and the fraction of PEO-Li⁺ complex, corresponding to conductivity enhancement. Al₂O₃ filler would contribute to conductivity enhancement by transient hydrogen bonding of migrating ionic species with O–OH groups at the filler grain surface. The differential scanning calorimetry thermograms points towards the decrease of T _g , crystallite melting temperature, and melting enthalpy of PEO: LiTf: Al₂O₃ CPE after introducing plasticizers. The reduction of crystallinity and the increase in the amorphous phase content of the electrolyte, caused by the filler, also contributes to the observed conductivity enhancement.     

Influence of annealing temperature on microstructural and electrochemical properties of rf-sputtered LiMn2O4 film cathodes

The microstructural and electrochemical properties of rf-sputtered LiMn₂O₄ films were investigated as a function of post-deposition process. The degree of crystallization in the films gradually increased with the increase of annealing temperature (T _a). The films annealed at T _a?=?973 K exhibited characteristic peaks with predominant (111) orientation representing the cubic spinel structure of Fd3m symmetry. The estimated Mn–Mn and Mn–O distances obtained from the X-ray diffraction data were observed to be increased slightly with T _a. Characteristic changes in surface morphological features were observed as a function of T _a as evidenced from scanning electron microscopy. The estimated root mean square (RMS) roughness of the films increased from 97 to 161 nm with augmentation of T _a. The electrochemical studies, viz. cyclic voltammetry (CV), specific discharge capacity and Li ion diffusion coefficient were carried out for annealed LiMn₂O₄ films in saturated aqueous electrolyte (Li₂SO₄) in the potential window of 0–1.2 V and correlated with surface morphology and grain size. The LiMn₂O₄ films annealed at T _a?=?973 K exhibited better electrochemical performance and demonstrated a discharge capacity of about 53.5 μA h cm^?2 μm^?1 with diffusion coefficient of 1.2?×?10^?13 cm² s^?1.     

Polymer/colloid dual-phase electrolyte membrane for rechargeable lithium batteries

In this work, a polymer/ceramic phase-separation porous membrane is first prepared from polyvinyl alcohol–polyacrylonitrile water emulsion mixed with fumed nano-SiO₂ particles by the phase inversion method. This porous membrane is then wetted by a non-aqueous Li–salt liquid electrolyte to form the polymer/colloid dual-phase electrolyte membrane. Compared to the liquid electrolyte in conventional polyolefin separator, the obtained electrolyte membrane has superior properties in high ionic conductivity (1.9 mS?cm^?1 at 30 °C), high Li⁺ transference number (0.41), high electrochemical stability (extended up to 5.0 V versus Li⁺/Li on stainless steel electrode), and good interfacial stability with lithium metal. The test cell of Li/LiCoO₂ with the electrolyte membrane as separator also shows high-rate capability and excellent cycle performance. The polymer/colloid dual-phase electrolyte membrane shows promise for application in rechargeable lithium batteries.     

Study of lithium ion intercalation/de-intercalation into LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 in aqueous solution using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

The mechanism of lithium ion intercalation/de-intercalation into LiNi_1/3Mn_1/3Co_1/3O₂ cathode material prepared by reactions under autogenic pressure at elevated temperatures method is investigated both in aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. In accordance with the results obtained an equivalent circuit is used to fit the impedance spectra. The kinetic parameters of intercalation/de-intercalation processes are evaluated with the help of the same equivalent circuit. The dependence of charge transfer resistance (R _ct), exchange current (I ₀), double layer capacitance (C _dl), Warburg resistance (Z _w), and chemical diffusion coefficient (D _Li+) on potential during intercalation/de-intercalation is studied. The behavior of EIS spectra and its potential dependence is studied to get the kinetics of the mechanism of intercalation/de-intercalation processes, which cannot be obtained from the usual electrochemical studies like cyclic voltammetry. The results indicate that intercalation and de-intercalation of lithium ions in aqueous solution follows almost similar mechanism in non-aqueous system. D _Li+ values are in the range of 10^?8 to 10^?14?cm²?s^?1 in aqueous 5?M LiNO₃ and that in non-aqueous 1?M LiAsF₆/EC+DMC electrolyte is in the order of 10^?12?cm²?s^?1 during the intercalation/de-intercalation processes. A typical cell LiTi₂ (PO4)₃/5?M LiNO₃/LiNi_1/3Mn_1/3Co_1/3O₂ is constructed and the cycling stability is compared to that with an organic electrolyte.     

Determination of diffusion coefficient of lithium in substituted LiMn1.95Cr0.05O4 spinel using impedance technique

Electrodiffusion properties of chromium-substituted lithium-manganese spinel Li _x Mn_1.95Cr_0.05O₄ intended for application as a cathodic material for lithium-ion batteries is studied. The studies are carried out at 25°C using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique in alkyl-carbonate electrolyte. In the analysis of impedance spectra, the apparatus of electric equivalent circuits was employed to determine surface layer resistances, double electric layer capacitance, differential intercalation capacity, chemical diffusion coefficient D of lithium, and other electrode characteristics. The issues of substantiating the choice of electric equivalent circuits and correct interpretation of their elements are discussed; dependences of the calculated model parameters on the electrode potential (lithium concentration in the electrode) are analyzed. The chemical diffusion coefficient of Li⁺ in Li _x Mn_1.95Cr_0.05O₄ found on the basis of the impedance spectra is in the range of 10^?9 to 10^?12 cm²/s under electrode potential variation in the range of 3.5–4.5 V (vs. Li/Li⁺) with a pronounced minimum of D in the middle of this range. Repeated cycling of the electrode is accompanied by a gradual increase in resistance of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI).     

Synergistic Dual‐Additive Electrolyte Enables Practical Lithium‐Metal Batteries

A rechargeable Li metal anode coupled with a high‐voltage cathode is a promising approach to high‐energy‐density batteries exceeding 300 Wh kg^?1. Reported here is an advanced dual‐additive electrolyte containing a unique solvation structure and it comprises a tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane additive and LiNO₃ in a carbonate‐based electrolyte. This system generates a robust outer Li₂O solid electrolyte interface and F‐ and B‐containing conformal cathode electrolyte interphase. The resulting stable ion transport kinetics enables excellent cycling of Li/LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ for 140 cycles with 80 % capacity retention under highly challenging conditions (≈295.1 Wh kg^?1 at cell‐level). The electrolyte also exhibits high cycling stability for a 4.6 V LiCoO₂ (160 cycles with 89.8 % capacity retention) cathode and 4.95 V LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ cathode.     

Lithium Nitrate Regulated Sulfone Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries

The electrolytes in lithium metal batteries have to be compatible with both lithium metal anodes and high voltage cathodes, and can be regulated by manipulating the solvation structure. Herein, to enhance the electrolyte stability, lithium nitrate (LiNO₃) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafuoroethyl-2′,2′,2′-trifuoroethyl(HFE) are introduced into the high-concentration sulfolane electrolyte to suppress Li dendrite growth and achieve a high Coulombic efficiency of >99 % for both the Li anode and LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ (NMC811) cathodes. Molecular dynamics simulations show that NO₃⁻ participates in the solvation sheath of lithium ions enabling more bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion (TFSI⁻) to coordinate with Li⁺ ions. Therefore, a robust LiN_xO_y−LiF-rich solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is formed on the Li surface, suppressing Li dendrite growth. The LiNO₃-containing sulfolane electrolyte can also support the highly aggressive LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ (NMC811) cathode, delivering a discharge capacity of 190.4 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.5 C for 200 cycles with a capacity retention rate of 99.5 %.     

Synergistic Dual-Additive Electrolyte Enables Practical Lithium-Metal Batteries

A rechargeable Li metal anode coupled with a high-voltage cathode is a promising approach to high-energy-density batteries exceeding 300 Wh kg⁻¹. Reported here is an advanced dual-additive electrolyte containing a unique solvation structure and it comprises a tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane additive and LiNO₃ in a carbonate-based electrolyte. This system generates a robust outer Li₂O solid electrolyte interface and F- and B-containing conformal cathode electrolyte interphase. The resulting stable ion transport kinetics enables excellent cycling of Li/LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ for 140 cycles with 80 % capacity retention under highly challenging conditions (≈295.1 Wh kg⁻¹ at cell-level). The electrolyte also exhibits high cycling stability for a 4.6 V LiCoO₂ (160 cycles with 89.8 % capacity retention) cathode and 4.95 V LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ cathode.     

Dendrite‐Free Epitaxial Growth of Lithium Metal during Charging in Li–O2 Batteries

Lithium (Li) dendrite formation is one of the major hurdles limiting the development of Li‐metal batteries, including Li‐O₂ batteries. Herein, we report the first observation of the dendrite‐free epitaxial growth of a Li metal up to 10‐μm thick during charging (plating) in the LiBr‐LiNO₃ dual anion electrolyte under O₂ atmosphere. This phenomenon is due to the formation of an ultrathin and homogeneous Li₂O‐rich solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer in the preceding discharge (stripping) process, where the corrosive nature of Br^? seems to give rise to remove the original incompact passivation layer and NO₃^? oxidizes (passivates) the freshly formed Li surface to prevent further reactions with the electrolyte. Such reactions keep the SEI thin (<100 nm) and facilitates the electropolishing effect and gets ready for the epitaxial electroplating of Li in the following charge process.     

The Stabilization Effect of CO2 in Lithium–Oxygen/CO2 Batteries

The lithium (Li)–air battery has an ultrahigh theoretical specific energy, however, even in pure oxygen (O₂), the vulnerability of conventional organic electrolytes and carbon cathodes towards reaction intermediates, especially O₂^?, and corrosive oxidation and crack/pulverization of Li metal anode lead to poor cycling stability of the Li‐air battery. Even worse, the water and/or CO₂ in air bring parasitic reactions and safety issues. Therefore, applying such systems in open‐air environment is challenging. Herein, contrary to previous assertions, we have found that CO₂ can improve the stability of both anode and electrolyte, and a high‐performance rechargeable Li–O₂/CO₂ battery is developed. The CO₂ not only facilitates the in situ formation of a passivated protective Li₂CO₃ film on the Li anode, but also restrains side reactions involving electrolyte and cathode by capturing O₂^?. Moreover, the Pd/CNT catalyst in the cathode can extend the battery lifespan by effectively tuning the product morphology and catalyzing the decomposition of Li₂CO₃. The Li–O₂/CO₂ battery achieves a full discharge capacity of 6628 mAh g^?1 and a long life of 715 cycles, which is even better than those of pure Li–O₂ batteries.     

Model Studies on the Formation of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase: Reaction of Li with Ultrathin Adsorbed Ionic-Liquid Films and Co3O4(111) Thin Films

In this work we aim towards the molecular understanding of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation at the electrode electrolyte interface (EEI). Herein, we investigated the interaction between the battery-relevant ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BMP-TFSI), Li and a Co₃O₄(111) thin film model anode grown on Ir(100) as a model study of the SEI formation in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). We employed mostly X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in combination with dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations (DFT-D3). If the surface is pre-covered by BMP-TFSI species (model electrolyte), post-deposition of Li (Li⁺ ion shuttle) reveals thermodynamically favorable TFSI decomposition products such as LiCN, Li₂NSO₂CF₃, LiF, Li₂S, Li₂O₂, Li₂O, but also kinetic products like Li₂NCH₃C₄H₉ or LiNCH₃C₄H₉ of BMP. Simultaneously, Li adsorption and/or lithiation of Co₃O₄(111) to Li_nCo₃O₄ takes place due to insertion via step edges or defects; a partial transformation to CoO cannot be excluded. Formation of Co⁰ could not be observed in the experiment indicating that surface reaction products and inserted/adsorbed Li at the step edges may inhibit or slow down further Li diffusion into the bulk. This study provides detailed insights of the SEI formation at the EEI, which might be crucial for the improvement of future batteries.     

Diffusion and Ion Association in Concentrated Solutions of Aqueous Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium Sulfates

Taylor dispersion is used to measure mutual diffusion coefficients for aqueous Li₂SO₄ solutions at concentrations from 0.09 to 2.62 mol-dm^-3 at 25°C. The Li₂SO₄ results and previously reported diffusion coefficients for aqueous Na₂SO₄ and K₂SO₄ are compared with predictions made by treating the limiting electrolyte diffusion coefficients as reference values and applying corrections for nonideal solution behavior, ionic hydration, and viscosity changes as the concentration is raised. Good agreement is obtained if the M⁺ + SO ₄ ^2- ? MSO ₄ ^- (M = Li, Na, K) association equilibria are included in the analysis. Extents of formation of the MSO ₄ ^- ion pairs are evaluated by fitting Pitzer's mixed electrolyte equations for aqueous M⁺–MSO ₄ ^- –SO ₄ ^2- ions to osmotic coefficient data. Diffusion coefficients for hypothetical solutions of the completely dissociated M₂SO₄ electrolytes are calculated to illustrate the effects of ion association on diffusion. Association of the M⁺ and SO ₄ ^2- ions increases the overall mobility and thermodynamic driving forces for their diffusion.     

Chemical interaction and diffusion on interface cathode/electrolyte of SOFC

The high-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is suited for the environmentally acceptable and efficient conversion of chemical into electric energy. A prerequisite for introducing this technology on the market is the controlled formation of the interface between electrodes and the electrolyte. In the case of using an electrolyte based on LaGaO₃ the formation of third phases and the diffusion of individual metallic cations from and to the electrolyte was investigated with the aid of point analyses on micrographs of the environment of the interface using quantitative EDS analysis. In case of an anode of Ni-CeO₂ cermet the mixed oxide SrLaGa₃O₇ is formed and, in addition, a relatively pronounced transport of La from the electrolyte into the CeO₂ phase was observed. A relatively strong diffusion of Mn and an even stronger diffusion of Co into the electrolyte took place between the cathode of, e.g., La_0.75Sr_0.2Mn_0.8Co_0.2O₃ and the La_0.9Sr_0.1Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O₃ electrolyte, whereas a weak transport of Ga to the cathode was identified.     

The Stabilization Effect of CO2 in Lithium–Oxygen/CO2 Batteries

The lithium (Li)–air battery has an ultrahigh theoretical specific energy, however, even in pure oxygen (O₂), the vulnerability of conventional organic electrolytes and carbon cathodes towards reaction intermediates, especially O₂⁻, and corrosive oxidation and crack/pulverization of Li metal anode lead to poor cycling stability of the Li-air battery. Even worse, the water and/or CO₂ in air bring parasitic reactions and safety issues. Therefore, applying such systems in open-air environment is challenging. Herein, contrary to previous assertions, we have found that CO₂ can improve the stability of both anode and electrolyte, and a high-performance rechargeable Li–O₂/CO₂ battery is developed. The CO₂ not only facilitates the in situ formation of a passivated protective Li₂CO₃ film on the Li anode, but also restrains side reactions involving electrolyte and cathode by capturing O₂⁻. Moreover, the Pd/CNT catalyst in the cathode can extend the battery lifespan by effectively tuning the product morphology and catalyzing the decomposition of Li₂CO₃. The Li–O₂/CO₂ battery achieves a full discharge capacity of 6628 mAh g⁻¹ and a long life of 715 cycles, which is even better than those of pure Li–O₂ batteries.     

Excellent Stability of a Lithium‐Ion‐Conducting Solid Electrolyte upon Reversible Li+/H+ Exchange in Aqueous Solutions

Batteries with an aqueous catholyte and a Li metal anode have attracted interest owing to their exceptional energy density and high charge/discharge rate. The long‐term operation of such batteries requires that the solid electrolyte separator between the anode and aqueous solutions must be compatible with Li and stable over a wide pH range. Unfortunately, no such compound has yet been reported. In this study, an excellent stability in neutral and strongly basic solutions was observed when using the cubic Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ garnet as a Li‐stable solid electrolyte. The material underwent a Li⁺/H⁺ exchange in aqueous solutions. Nevertheless, its structure remained unchanged even under a high exchange rate of 63.6 %. When treated with a 2 M LiOH solution, the Li⁺/H⁺ exchange was reversed without any structural change. These observations suggest that cubic Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ is a promising candidate for the separator in aqueous lithium batteries.