Unraveling the stabilization mechanism of solid electrolyte interface on ZnSe by rGO in sodium ion battery

Transition metal selenides have been widely studied as anode materials of sodium ion batteries(SIBs),however,the investigation of solid-electrolyte-interface(SEI)on these materials,which is critical to the electrochemical performance of SIBs,remains at its infancy.Here in this paper,ZnSe@C nanoparticles were prepared from ZIF-8 and the SEI layers on these electrodes with and without reduced graphene oxide(rGO)layers were examined in details by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies at varied charged/discharged states.It is observed that fast and complicated electrolyte decomposition reactions on ZnSe@C leads to quite thick SEI film and intercalation of solvated sodium ions through such thick SEI film results in slow ion diffusion kinetics and unstable electrode structure.However,the presence of rGO could efficiently suppress the decomposition of electrolyte,thus thin and stable SEI film was formed.ZnSe@C electrodes wrapped by rGO demonstrates enhanced interfacial charge transfer kinetics and high electrochemical performance,a capacity retention of 96.4%,after 1000 cycles at 5 A/g.This study might offer a simple avenue for the designing high performance anode materials through manipulation of SEI film.     

Surface analysis of the solid electrolyte interface formed by additives on graphite electrodes in Li‐ion batteries using XPS,FE‐AES,and XHR‐SEM techniques

We investigate the formation and distribution of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer on a graphite anode with two additives [vinylethylene carbonate (VEC) and vinylene carbonate (VC)] in a formation process using XPS, field emission AES, and extreme high‐resolution SEM (XHR‐SEM) techniques, and we studied what factors play an important role in determining the formation of the SEI layer. The VEC‐derived SEI behaviors (morphology, thickness, compound, and balance over electrode position) on a graphite anode largely depend on the elevated temperature. The VC‐derived SEI layer is mostly formed in the initial charging step, showing simple growth (formation) behavior. It is suggested that the properties of the additives are important for SEI bonding configurations at the nanoscale film surface, and to achieve the stable SEI layer, there appears to be an effective formation process for the additive properties. This research highlights the challenges of developing a stable SEI layer with additives in the formation process for electric vehicle batteries and would make a contribution to the understanding of how formation conditions affect an SEI layer with respect to additive properties. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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⁺.     

Studies on the effects of coated Li2CO3 on lithium electrode

Although a lithium metal anode has a high energy density compared with a carbon insertion anode, the poor rechargeability prevents the practical use of anode materials. A lithium electrode coated with Li₂CO₃ was prepared as a negative electrode to enhance cycleability through the control of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer formation in Li secondary batteries. The electrochemical characteristics of the SEI layer were examined using chronopotentiometry (CP) and impedance spectroscopy. The Li₂CO₃-SEI layer prevents electrolyte decomposition reaction and has low interface resistance. In addition, the lithium ion diffusion in the SEI layer of the uncoated and the Li₂CO₃-coated electrode was evaluated using chronoamperometry (CA).     

A review on electrode and electrolyte for lithium ion batteries under low temperature

Under low temperature (LT) conditions (−80 °C∼0 °C), lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) may experience the formation of an extensive solid electrolyte interface (SEI), which can cause a series of detrimental effects such as Li⁺ deposition and irregular dendritic filament growth on the electrolyte surface. These issues ultimately lead to the degradation of the LT performance of LIBs. As a result, new electrode/electrolyte materials are necessary to address these challenges and enable the proper functioning of LIBs at LT. Given that most electrochemical reactions in lithium-ion batteries occur at the electrode/electrolyte interface, finding solutions to mitigate the negative impact caused by SEI is crucial to improve the LT performance of LIBs. In this article, we analyze and summarize the recent studies on electrode and electrolyte materials for low temperature lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). These materials include both metallic materials like tin, manganese, and cobalt, as well as non-metallic materials such as graphite and graphene. Modified materials, such as those with nano or alloying characteristics, generally exhibit better properties than raw materials. For instance, Sn nanowire-Si nanoparticles (SiNPs−In-SnNWs) and tin dioxide carbon nanotubes (SnO₂@CNT) have faster Li⁺ transport rates and higher reversible capacity at LT. However, it′s important to note that when operating under LT, the electrolyte may solidify, leading to difficulty in Li⁺ transmission. The compatibility between the electrolyte and electrode can affect the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the stability of the electrode/electrolyte system. Therefore, a good electrode/electrolyte system is crucial for successful operation of LIBs at LT.     

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.     

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.     

The understanding of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation and mechanism as the effect of flouro-o-phenylenedimaleimaide (F-MI) additive on lithium-ion battery

Solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is a critical factor that influences battery performance. SEI layer is formed by the decomposition of organic and inorganic compounds after the first cycle. This study investigates SEI formation as a product of electrolyte decomposition by the presence of flouro-o-phenylenedimaleimaide (F-MI) additive. The presence of fluorine on the maleimide-based additive can increase storage capacity and reversible discharge capacity due to high electronegativity and high electron-withdrawing group. The electrolyte containing 0.1 wt% of F-MI-based additive can trigger the formation of SEI, which could suppress the decomposition of remaining electrolyte. The reduction potential was 2.35 to 2.21 V vs Li/Li⁺ as examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) cell with F-MI additive showed the lowest SEI resistance (Rsei) at 5898 Ω as evaluated by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The morphology and element analysis on the negative electrode after the first charge-discharge cycle were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS result showed that MCMB cell with F-MI additive provides a higher intensity of organic compounds (RCH₂OCO₂Li) and thinner SEI than MCMB cell without an additive that provides a higher intensity of inorganic compound (Li₂CO₃ and Li₂O), which leads to the performance decay. It is concluded that attaching the fluorine functional group on the maleimide-based additive forms the ideal SEI formation for lithium-ion battery.     

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.     

Capacity of graphene anode in ionic liquid electrolyte

The graphene anode was investigated in an ionic liquid electrolyte (0.7 M lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiNTf₂)) in room temperature ionic liquid (N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (MPPyrNTf₂)). SEM and TEM images suggested that the electrochemical intercalation/deintercalation process in the ionic liquid electrolyte without vinylene carbonate (VC) leads to small changes on the surface of graphene particles. However, a similar process in the presence of VC results in the formation of a coating (SEI—solid electrolyte interface) on the graphene surface. During charging/discharging tests, the graphene electrode working together with the 0.7 M LiNTf₂ in MPPyrNTf₂ electrolyte lost its capacity, during cycling and stabilizes at ca. 200 mAh g^?1 after 20 cycles. The addition of VC to the electrolyte (0.7 M LiNTf₂ in MPPyrNTf₂?+?10 wt.% VC) considerably increases the anode capacity. Electrodes were tested at different current regimes: ranging between 50 and 1,000 mA g^?1. The capacity of the anode, working at a low current regime of 50 mA g^?1, was ca. 1,250 mAh g^?1, while the current of 500 mA g^?1 resulted in capacity of 350 mAh g^?1. Coulombic efficiency was stable and close to 95 % during ca. 250 cycles. The exchange current density, obtained from impedance spectroscopy, was 1.3?×?10^?7 A cm^?2 (at 298 K). The effect of the anode capacity decrease with increasing current rate was interpreted as the result of kinetic limits of the electrode operation.     

Initial solid electrolyte interphase formation process of graphite anode in LiPF6 electrolyte: an in situ ECSTM investigation

Understanding the structure and formation dynamics of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the electrode/electrolyte interface is of great importance for lithium ion batteries, as the properties of the SEI remarkably affect the performances of lithium ion batteries such as power capabilities, cycling life, and safety issues. Herein, we report an in situ electrochemical scanning tunnelling microscopy (ECSTM) study of the surface morphology changes of a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) anode during initial lithium uptake in 1 M LiPF(6) dissolved in the solvents of ethylene carbonate plus dimethyl carbonate. The exfoliation of the graphite originating from the step edge occurs when the potential is more negative than 1.5 V vs. Li(+)/Li. Within the range from 0.8 to 0.7 V vs. Li(+)/Li, the growth of clusters on the step edge, the decoration of the terrace with small island-like clusters, and the exfoliation of graphite layers take place on the surface simultaneously. The surface morphology change in the initial lithium uptake process can be recovered when the potential is switched back to 2.0 V. Control experiments indicate that the surface morphology change can be attributed to the electrochemical reduction of solvent molecules. The findings may lead to a better understanding of SEI formation on graphite anodes, optimized electrolyte systems for it, as well as the use of in situ ECSTM for interface studies in lithium ion batteries.     

Ultrathin CuF2-Rich Solid-Electrolyte Interphase Induced by Cation-Tailored Double Electrical Layer toward Durable Sodium Storage

Solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) seriously affects battery's cycling life, especially for high-capacity anode due to excessive electrolyte decomposition from particle fracture. Herein, we report an ultrathin SEI (3–4 nm) induced by Cu⁺-tailored double electrical layer (EDL) to suppress electrolyte consumption and enhance cycling stability of CuS anode in sodium-ion batteries. Unique EDL with SO₃CF₃-Cu complex absorbing on CuS in NaSO₃CF₃/diglyme electrolyte is demonstrated by in situ surface-enhanced Raman, Cyro-TEM and theoretical calculation, in which SO₃CF₃-Cu could be reduced to CuF₂-rich SEI. Dispersed CuF₂ and F-containing compound can provide good interfacial contact for formation of ultrathin and stable SEI film to minimize electrolyte consumption and reduce activation energy of Na⁺ transport. As a result, the modified CuS delivers high capacity of 402.8 mAh g⁻¹ after 7000 cycles without capacity decay. The insights of SEI construction pave a way for high-stability electrode.     

Metals and alloys bonded on solid polymer electrolyte for electrochemical reduction of pure benzaldehyde without liquid supporting electrolyte

Metals and alloys bonded on the solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) Nafion® 117 were studied as both the electrodes and electrolyte for the electrochemical reduction of pure benzaldehyde without liquid supporting electrolyte. The results indicated that SPE electrodes modified with metals such as Pt, Ni, Pb, Cu and Ag by the ion exchange chemical deposition method had a more stable structure and could provide a larger electrochemical active surface area than those prepared by other methods. The composition of reducing agents and the pH value have a significant effect on the characteristics of the prepared SPE electrodes. In this study a novel method was developed to prepare a Pt+Pb/Nafion® electrode which formed a protective Pt layer on the surface of Pb/Nafion®. The results of scanning electron microscopy further confirmed that Pt+Pb/Nafion® electrodes had obvious advantages for the electrochemical reduction of benzaldehyde. The results also revealed that the current efficiencies of benzylalcohol production at various SPE electrodes decreased in the order Pt+Pb/Nafion® > Pb/ Nafion® > Ni/Nafion® > Cu/Nafion® > Ag+Cu/Nafion® > Ag/Nafion® > Pt/Nafion®.     

PIM-1 as an artificial solid electrolyte interphase for stable lithium metal anode in high-performance batteries

Lithium metal anode is a promising electrode with high theoretical specific capacity and low electrode potential.However,its unstable interface and low Coulombic efficiency,resulting from the dendritic growth of lithium,limits its commercial application.PIM-1(PIM:polymer of intrinsic microporosity),which is a polymer with abundant micropores,exhibits high rigidity and flexibility with contorted spirocenters in the backbone,and is an ideal candidate for artificial solid electrolyte interphases(SEI).In this work,a PIM-1 membrane was synthesized and fabricated as a protective membrane on the surface of an electrode to facilitate the uniform flux of Li ions and act as a stable interface for the lithium plating/stripping process.Nodule-like lithium with rounded edges was observed under the PIM-1 membrane.The Li@PIM-1 electrode delivered a high average Coulombic efficiency(99.7%),excellent cyclability(80%capacity retention rate after 600 cycles at 1 C),and superior rate capability(125.3 m Ah g~(-1) at 10 C).Electrochemical impedance spectrum(EIS)showed that the PIM-1 membrane could lower the diffusion rate of Li~+ significantly and change the rate-determining step from charge transfer to Li~+diffusion.Thus,the PIM-1 membrane is proven to act as an artificial SEI to facilitate uniform and stable deposition of lithium,in favor of obtaining a compact and dense Li-plating pattern.This work extends the application of PIMs in the field of lithium batteries and provides ideas for the construction of artificial SEI.     

Anion receptor for enhanced thermal stability of the graphite anode interface in a Li-ion battery

The thermal stability of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed on a graphite anode has been enhanced by adding an anion receptor, tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (TPFPB), to the electrolyte. The investigated electrolyte was LiBF₄ in a 2:1 mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC). Two concentrations of TPFPB have been investigated, 0.2 and 0.8 M. Galvanostatic cycling and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to study the effect of TPFPB on the electrochemical performance and thermal stability of graphite anodes. The best performance is obtained for a graphite anode cycled in an electrolyte with 0.2 M TPFPB: cyclability is improved, and the onset temperature for the first thermally activated reaction is increased by more than 60 °C up to 140–160 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been used to examine the composition of the SEI formed in the different electrolytes; the improved performance for the graphite cycled with 0.2 M TPFPB is attributed to a reduced amount of LiF in the SEI.     

Lithium transport within the solid electrolyte interphase

A LiClO₄ SEI film grown on copper was examined with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. The SEI porosity profile and Li⁺ transport processes within the SEI were studied with isotopically labeled ⁶LiBF₄ electrolyte. An ~ 5 nm porous region, into which electrolytes can easily diffuse, was observed at the electrolyte/SEI interface. Below the porous region, a densely packed layer of Li₂O and/or Li₂CO₃ prevents electrolyte diffusion, but Li⁺ transports through this region via ion exchange.     

Electrolyte-cathode interactions in 5-V lithium-ion cells

The electrolyte/electrode interactions on the anode side of a lithium-ion cell and the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) have been investigated intensively in the past and are fairly well understood. Present knowledge about the reactions on the cathode side and the resulting cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) is less detailed. In this study, the electrolyte/electrode interactions on the surface of the high-voltage cathode material LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ (LNMO), both bare and FePO₄-coated, were investigated. The gases evolving upon first time charging of the system were investigated using a GC/MS combination. The degradation products included THF, dimethyl peroxide, phosphor trifluoride, 1,3-dioxolane and dimethyl difluor silane, formed in the GC’s column as its coating reacts with HF from the experiments. Although these substances and their formation are in themselves interesting, the absence of many degradation products which have been mentioned in the existing literature is of equal interest. Our results clearly indicate that coating a cathode material can have a major influence on the amount and composition of the gaseous decomposition products in the formation phase.     

Thermal reactions of lithiated graphite anode in LiPF6-based electrolyte

The thermal reactions of a lithiated graphite anode with and without 1.3 M lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) in a solvent mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC) were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The products of the thermal decomposition occurring on the lithiated graphite anode were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. The lithiated graphite anode showed two broad exothermic peaks at 270 and 325 °C, respectively, in the absence of electrolyte. It was demonstrated that the first peak could be assigned to the thermal reactions of PF₅ with various linear alkyl carbonates in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and that the second peak was closely related to the thermal decomposition of the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) binder. In the presence of electrolyte, the lithiated graphite anode showed the onset of an additional exothermic peak at 90 °C associated with the thermal decomposition reactions of the SEI layer with the organic solvents.     

Electrochemical behaviour of tin in alkaline electrolyte

The electrochemical behaviour of two types of tin electrodes, Sn rod and electrodeposited Sn is investigated in 0.1 M KOH_aq in order to evaluate processes related to anodic Sn dissolution. Potential regions of formation of soluble Sn(II) and Sn(IV) are identified by means of a rotating ring disk electrode. An anodic reactivation peak observed for cathodic potential scans for partially passivated electrodes is accompanied by formation of soluble Sn(II) species and a minimum in the imaginary part of the impedance. This confirms that the reactivation peak is due to active dissolution of metallic Sn exposed to the electrolyte during rupture of the oxidised layer.     

Dynamic structural changes at LiMn2O4/electrolyte interface during lithium battery reaction

Gaining a thorough understanding of the reactions on the electrode surfaces of lithium batteries is critical for designing new electrode materials suitable for high-power, long-life operation. A technique for directly observing surface structural changes has been developed that employs an epitaxial LiMn(2)O(4) thin-film model electrode and surface X-ray diffraction (SXRD). Epitaxial LiMn(2)O(4) thin films with restricted lattice planes (111) and (110) are grown on SrTiO(3) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. In situ SXRD studies have revealed dynamic structural changes that reduce the atomic symmetry at the electrode surface during the initial electrochemical reaction. The surface structural changes commence with the formation of an electric double layer, which is followed by surface reconstruction when a voltage is applied in the first charge process. Transmission electron microscopy images after 10 cycles confirm the formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer on both the (111) and (110) surfaces and Mn dissolution from the (110) surface. The (111) surface is more stable than the (110) surface. The electrode stability of LiMn(2)O(4) depends on the reaction rate of SEI formation and the stability of the reconstructed surface structure.