Comparative surface analysis study of the solid electrolyte interphase formation on graphite anodes in lithium‐ion batteries depending on the electrolyte composition

The composition of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on graphite anodes is characterized within a comparative surface analytical study varying systematically the electrolyte composition and the cycling conditions. In particular, the conducting salts lithium hexafluorophosphate and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide as well as vinylene carbonate and 1‐fluoroethylene carbonate as different electrolyte additives are compared regarding the SEI formation under different cycling conditions. A comprehensive study using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed pronounced differences of the SEI compositions at different aging stages. Both additives significantly influence the SEI composition and are able to prevent from parasitic side reactions as well as from decomposition of the conducting salt lithium hexafluorophosphate. This study suggests a promising approach to improve the SEI properties to enhance long‐term stability of lithium‐ion batteries by changing the electrolyte composition. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

In situ analysis of interfacial reactions between negative MCMB,lithium electrodes,and gel polymer electrolyte

The interfacial properties of mesocarbon-microbeads (MCMB) and lithium electrodes during charge process in poly (vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)-based gel electrolyte were investigated by in situ Raman microscopy, in situ Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic methods, and charge–discharge, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. For MCMB electrode, the series phase transitions from initial formation of the dilute stage 1 graphite intercalation compound (GIC) to a stage 4 GIC, then through a stage 3 to stage 2, and finally to stage 1 GIC was proved by in situ Raman spectroscopic measurement. The formation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) films formed on MCMB and metal lithium electrode was studied by in situ reflectance FTIR spectroscopic method. At MCMB electrode surface, the solvent (mostly ethylene carbonate) decomposed during charging process and ROCO₂Li may be the product. ROCO₂Li, ROLi, and Li₂CO₃ were the main composites of SEI film formed on lithium electrode, not on electrodeposited lithium electrode or lithium foil electrode.     

磷酸三甲酯和碳酸亚乙烯酯对锂离子电池的复合作用

应用循环伏安、交流阻抗、扫描电子显微镜和锂离子电池性能检测装置研究了阻燃添加剂磷酸三甲酯(TMP)和成膜添加剂碳酸亚乙烯酯(VC)对锂离子电池的复合作用.结果表明,复合使用TMP和VC不仅能提高电池的安全性而且能改善电池的循环性能,原因可能是在电池首次充放电过程中VC优先还原,还原产物在负极表面聚合形成良好的SEI膜,有效地制约了因TMP在石墨负极表面的分解而造成负极石墨的脱落,同时提高了SEI膜的稳定性.     

电解液添加剂硫酸亚乙酯对锂离子电池性能的影响

在1 mol/L LiPF₆/碳酸乙烯酯+碳酸二甲酯+碳酸甲乙酯（体积比1∶1∶1）电解液中,采用恒流充放电测试、循环伏安法（CV）、扫描电子显微镜（SEM）、能量散射光谱（EDS）、电化学阻抗谱（EIS）等测试技术,研究了添加剂硫酸亚乙酯（DTD）对锂离子电池性能及石墨化中间相碳微球（MCMB）电极/电解液界面性质的影响。 结果表明,在电解液中引入体积分数0.01%DTD后,MCMB/Li电池可逆放电容量从300 mA·h/g提高至350 mA·h/g,电池总阻抗降低,循环稳定性提高。CV测试发现,在首次还原过程中,DTD在电极电位1.4 V左右（vs Li/Li⁺）发生电化学还原,参与了MCMB电极表面固体电解质相界面膜（SEI膜）的形成过程。 同时,DTD对LiMn₂O₄电极性能无不良影响。     

Electrochemical SPM investigation of the solid electrolyte interphase film formed on HOPG electrodes

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film formation on graphite electrodes was studied on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) in nonaqueous electrolyte by in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy (AFM). For potentials negative to 0.7 V versus Li|Li⁺ a SEI film is formed on the HOPG electrode surface. After the first cycle the film is rough and covers the surface of the HOPG electrode only partially. After the second cycle the HOPG surface is fully covered by a compact film. The thickness of the SEI film was measured by increasing the pressure of the AFM tip and thus scraping a part of the electrode surface. In this way a thickness of about 25 nm was found for the SEI film formed after two scan cycles between 3 and 0.01 V versus Li|Li⁺.     

New insight into the solid electrolyte interphase with use of a focused ion beam

The formation and evolution of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film on the surface of natural graphite spheres in the electrolyte of 1 M LiPF6 in ethylene carbonate (EC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) (volume ratio 1:1) were investigated with use of focused ion beam (FIB) technology. Secondary electron FIB images clearly show the surface and cross-section morphology of the SEI film. The composition variation along the surface and cross section of the SEI film was also explored by the elemental line scan analysis (ELSA). The initial SEI film with an apparent thickness range of approximately 450 to approximately 980 nm is rough in morphology and nonuniform in composition, and contains small splits. After certain electrochemical cycles, the thickened SEI film displays microscale holes and obvious cracks on the surface, and the content of organic compounds increases. In addition, the concept of "internal SEI film" is first proposed based on the characterization of the cross section of the natural graphite spheres with the aid of FIB. Finally, the capacity fading mechanisms of the natural graphite spheres corresponding to different electrochemical stages are discussed.     

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.     

Pre-constructed SEI on graphite-based interface enables long cycle stability for dual ion sodium batteries

Lithium batteries have been widely used in all over the world for its high energy density, long-term cycle stability. While the resources of lithium metal and transition metal are limited, which restrict their applications in the grid energy storage. Dual ion sodium batteries (DISBs) possess higher energy density, especially owning high power density for its higher operating voltage (> 4.5 V). Nevertheless, the poor oxidation tolerance of carbonate electrolyte and the co-intercalation of solvents accompanied with anions are main obstacles to make the DISBs commercialization. Herein, a physical barrier (artificial SEI film) is pre-constructed in the Na||graphite batteries to solve these thorny problems. With the CSMG (covered SEI on modified graphite), batteries deliver higher capacity 40 mAh/g even under the current density of 300 mA/g and the capacity retention maintains very well after 100 cycles at a high operating voltage. Moreover, the function mechanism was revealed by in-situ XRD, demonstrating that the pre-constructed SEI can effectively suppress the irreversible phase transition and exfoliation of graphite, resulting from the co-intercalation of anions. Additionally, the work voltage windows of carbonate electrolyte are significantly broadened by establishing electrode/electrolyte interphase. This method opens up an avenue for the practical application of DISBs on the grid energy storage and other fields.     

锂离子电池电解液中甲醇杂质对石墨电极性能影响机制的电化学阻抗谱研究

运用电化学阻抗谱和循环伏安法研究了在1mol/LLiPF6-EC/DEC/DMC电解液中,不同甲醇杂质含量对石墨电极性能的影响及其机制.结果表明,甲醇对石墨电极性能的影响与电解液中甲醇的含量有关;其对石墨电极性能的影响机制为甲醇在2.0V左右还原生成的甲氧基锂沉积在石墨电极表面上,形成一层初始SEI膜,影响了EC的还原分解成膜过程.     

Effects of current densities on the formation of LiCoO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/graphite lithium ion battery

The activation characteristics and the effects of current densities on the formation of a separate LiCoO₂ and graphite electrode were investigated and the behavior also was compared with that of the full LiCoO₂/graphite batteries using various electrochemical techniques. The results showed that the formation current densities obviously influenced the electrochemical impedance spectrum of Li/graphite, LiCoO₂/Li, and LiCoO₂/graphite cells. The electrolyte was reduced on the surface of graphite anode between 2.5 and 3.6 V to form a preliminary solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film of anode during the formation of the LiCoO₂/graphite batteries. The electrolyte was oxidized from 3.95 V vs Li⁺/Li on the surface of LiCoO₂ to form a SEI film of cathode. A highly conducting SEI film could be formed gradually on the surface of graphite anode, whereas the SEI film of LiCoO₂ cathode had high resistance. The LiCoO₂ cathode could be activated completely at the first cycle, while the activation of the graphite anode needed several cycles. The columbic efficiency of the first cycle increased, but that of the second decreased with the increase in the formation current of LiCoO₂/graphite batteries. The formation current influenced the cycling performance of batteries, especially the high-temperature cycling performance. Therefore, the batteries should be activated with proper current densities to ensure an excellent formation of SEI film on the anode surface.     

Spatiotemporal Changes of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Lithium‐Ion Batteries Detected by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in lithium‐ion batteries separates the highly reductive lithiated graphite from reducible electrolyte components. It is critical for the performance, durability, and safe operation of batteries. In situ imaging of the SEI is demonstrated using the feedback mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) with 2,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐1,4‐dimethoxy benzene as mediator. The formation of the SEI is indicated by a decrease of the mediator regeneration rate. Prolonged imaging of the same region revealed fluctuation of the passivating properties on time scales between 2 min and 20 h with an inhomogeneous distribution over the sample. The implications of the approach for in situ assessment of local SEI properties on graphite electrodes are discussed with respect to studying the influence of mechanical stress on SEI reliability and the mode of action of electrolyte additives aiming at improving SEI properties.     

Morphology and modulus evolution of graphite anode in lithium ion battery: An in situ AFM investigation

We investigated the interfacial electrochemical processes on graphite anode of lithium ion battery by using highly oriented pyrolytic graphite(HOPG)as a model system.In situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy experiments were performed in 1M lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide/ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate to reveal the formation process of solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)on HOPG basal plane during potential variation.At 1.45 V,the initial deposition of SEI began at the defects of HOPG surface.After that,direct solvent decomposition took place at about 1.3 V,and the whole surface was covered with SEI.The thickness of SEI was 10.4±0.2 nm after one cycle,and increased to 13.8±0.2 nm in the second cycle,which is due to the insufficient electron blocking ability of the surface film.The Young’s modulus of SEI was measured by a peak force quantitative nanomechanical mapping(QNM).The Young’s modulus of SEI is inhomogeneous.The statistic value is 45±22 MPa,which is in agreement with the organic property of SEI on basal plane of HOPG.     

Lithium-ion conducting electrolyte salts for lithium batteries

This paper presents an overview of the various types of lithium salts used to conduct Li(+) ions in electrolyte solutions for lithium rechargeable batteries. More emphasis is paid towards lithium salts and their ionic conductivity in conventional solutions, solid-electrolyte interface (SEI) formation towards carbonaceous anodes and the effect of anions on the aluminium current collector. The physicochemical and functional parameters relevant to electrochemical properties, that is, electrochemical stabilities, are also presented. The new types of lithium salts, such as the bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), oxalyldifluoroborate (LiODFB) and fluoroalkylphosphate (LiFAP), are described in detail with their appropriate synthesis procedures, possible decomposition mechanism for SEI formation and prospect of using them in future generation lithium-ion batteries. Finally, the state-of-the-art of the system is given and some interesting strategies for the future developments are illustrated.     

二氟二草酸硼酸锂对LiFePO4/石墨电池高温性能的影响

研究了二氟二草酸硼酸锂(LiODFB)作为锂盐加入到碳酸丙烯酯(PC)+碳酸乙烯酯(EC)+碳酸甲乙酯(EMC)(质量比为1:1:3)混合溶剂中对LiFePO4/石墨电池高温(60 ℃)循环性能的影响. 用线性扫描伏安法(LSV)测试了电解液的电化学窗口. 通过等离子发射光谱(ICP)和能量散射光谱(EDS)对LiFePO4材料高温条件下在不同电解液中的稳定性进行了研究; 并用扫描电镜(SEM)和电化学交流阻抗谱(EIS)分析了石墨负极表面的固体电解液相界面(SEI)膜的热稳定性. 结果表明: 一方面LiODFB基电解液能抑制LiFePO4材料在高温条件下Fe(II)的溶解, 防止溶解的Fe(II)在石墨上还原, 有效地降低电池阻抗; 另一方面, 在LiODFB基电解液中形成的石墨负极表面SEI膜具有更好的热稳定性, 能显著提高LiFePO4/石墨电池的高温循环性能.     

Reversible Li Plating on Graphite Anodes through Electrolyte Engineering for Fast-Charging Batteries

The difficulties to identify the rate-limiting step cause the lithium (Li) plating hard to be completely avoided on graphite anodes during fast charging. Therefore, Li plating regulation and morphology control are proposed to address this issue. Specifically, a Li plating-reversible graphite anode is achieved via a localized high-concentration electrolyte (LHCE) to successfully regulate the Li plating with high reversibility over high-rate cycling. The evolution of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) before and after Li plating is deeply investigated to explore the interaction between the lithiation behavior and electrochemical interface polarization. Under the fact that Li plating contributes 40 % of total lithiation capacity, the stable LiF-rich SEI renders the anode a higher average Coulombic efficiency (99.9 %) throughout 240 cycles and a 99.95 % reversibility of Li plating. Consequently, a self-made 1.2-Ah LiNi_0.5Mn_0.3Co_0.2O₂ | graphite pouch cell delivers a competitive retention of 84.4 % even at 7.2 A (6 C) after 150 cycles. This work creates an ingenious bridge between the graphite anode and Li plating, for realizing the high-performance fast-charging batteries.     

Effect of sulfolane on the morphology and chemical composition of the solid electrolyte interphase layer in lithium bis(oxalato)borate‐based electrolyte

To discuss the source of sulfolane (SL) in decreasing the interface resistance of Li/mesophase carbon microbeads cell with lithium bis(oxalate)borate (LiBOB)‐based electrolyte, the morphology and the composition of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the surface of carbonaceous anode material have been investigated. Compared with the cell with 0.7 mol l^?1 LiBOB‐ethylene carbonate/ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) (1 : 1, v/v) electrolyte, the cell with 0.7 mol l^?1 LiBOB‐SL/EMC (1 : 1, v/v) electrolyte shows better film‐forming characteristics in SEM (SEI) spectra. According to the results obtained from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, XPS, and density functional theory calculations, SL is reduced to Li₂SO₃ and LiO₂S(CH₂)₈SO₂Li through electrochemical processes, which happens prior to the reduction of either ethylene carbonate or EMC. It is believed that the root of impedance reduction benefits from the rich existence of sulfurous compounds in SEI layer, which are better conductors of Li⁺ ions than analogical carbonates. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

锂离子电池中固体电解质界面膜(SEI)研究进展

本文综述了锂离子电池中固体电解质界面膜(SEI膜)的研究进展.在总结SEI膜的形成机理及模型的基础上,讨论了对SEI膜可能的影响因素及其改性方法,以及各种表征技术、特别是原位分析技术在SEI膜研究中的实际应用.指出在今后的研究中,正极表面与电解液间的界面膜,以及引入水溶性粘合剂体系后正负极表面与电解液间的相互作用将成为人们关注的热点。     

Studies of the interfacial properties of an electroplated Sn thin film electrode/electrolyte using in situ MFTIRS and EQCM

Sn thin film electrodes were prepared by electroplating in an acidic sulfate bath containing SnSO4. During charge/discharge processes, the interfacial properties between a Sn thin film electrode and an electrolyte of 1 mol.L(-1) LiPF6 in a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC)/dimethyl carbonate (DMC) (1:1 vol %) were investigated by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), and in situ microscope Fourier transform infrared reflection spectroscopy (in situ MFTIRS). The processes of alloying/dealloying of lithium with Sn and the decomposition of the electrolyte on the Sn electrode were characterized quantitatively by surface mass change and at the molecule level. EQCM studies demonstrated that the mass accumulated per mole of electrons (mpe) was varied in different electrochemical processes. In the process of electrolyte decomposition, the measured mpe is smaller than the theoretical value, whereas it is higher than the theoretical value in the process of alloying/dealloying. The reduction products, ROCO2Li, of the electrolyte involved in charge/discharge processes were determined by in situ MFTIRS. The solvation/desolvation of lithium ion with solvent molecules, which is induced by the alloying/dealloying of lithium with Sn, was evidenced by shifts of relevant IR bands of C=O, C-O, and C-H. The current studies clearly revealed the details of interfacial reactions involved in lithium ion batteries employing a Sn thin film as the anode.     

Investigation of interfacial processes in graphite thin film anodes of lithium-ion batteries by both in situ and ex situ infrared spectroscopy

Graphite thin film anodes with a high IR reflectivity have been prepared by a spin coating method. Both ex situ and in situ microscope FTIR spectroscopy (MFTIRS) in a reflection configuration were employed to investigate interfacial processes of the graphite thin film anodes in lithium-ion batteries. A solid electrolyte interphase layer (SEI layer) was formed on the cycled graphite thin film anode. Ex situ MFTIRS revealed that the main components of the SEI layer on cycled graphite film anodes in 1 mol L -1 LiPF6 /ethylene carbonate + dimethyl carbonate (1:1) are alkyl lithium carbonates (ROCO2 Li). The desolvation process on graphite anodes during the initial intercalation of lithium ion with graphite was also observed and analyzed by in situ MFTIRS.