Unveiling the Critical Role of Ion Coordination Configuration of Ether Electrolytes for High Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries

Albeit ethers are favorable electrolyte solvents for lithium (Li) metal anode, their inferior oxidation stability (<4.0 V vs. Li/Li⁺) is problematic for high-voltage cathodes. Studies of ether electrolytes have been focusing on the archetype glyme structure with ethylene oxide moieties. Herein, we unveil the crucial effect of ion coordination configuration on oxidation stability by varying the ether backbone structure. The designed 1,3-dimethoxypropane (DMP, C3) forms a unique six-membered chelating complex with Li⁺, whose stronger solvating ability suppresses oxidation side reactions. In addition, the favored hydrogen transfer reaction between C3 and anion induces a dramatic enrichment of LiF (a total atomic ratio of 76.7 %) on the cathode surface. As a result, the C3-based electrolyte enables greatly improved cycling of nickel-rich cathodes under 4.7 V. This study offers fundamental insights into rational electrolyte design for developing high-energy-density batteries.     

Polysiloxane-based Electrolytes: Influence of Salt Type and Polymer Chain Length on the Physical and Electrochemical Properties

An oligo/poly(methyl(2-(tris(2-H methoxyethoxy)silyl)ethyl)siloxane)), 390EO, and 2550EO, were synthesized. Dilute electrolyte solutions of 390EO and 2550EO were prepared using LiTFSI, LiFSI, and LiPF₆. The influence of the length of the siloxane polymer chain, salt type, and Si-tripodand centers at the side chain on ionic conductivity, t_Li⁺, and physical properties were examined. Both electrolyte systems showed high values of t_Li⁺ (0.35 for 2550EO/LiTFSI and 0.64 for 390EO/LiTFSI). Alternatively 390EO/LiPF₆ and 2550EO/LiPF₆ displayed high t_Li⁺ values of 0.61 and 0.44, respectively, while 390EO/LiFSI displayed the smallest t_Li+ (0.25). To clarify the role played by the Li⁺ environment in Li⁺ transport, the solvation states of electrolytes were examined. It was observed that anion solvation can be achieved using siloxane-based solvent in all systems. Walden plot analysis demonstrates that ionic diffusion was not controlled by either macroviscosity/microviscosity in the siloxane-based polymer electrolytes. Ions instead move along a relatively smooth ion-pathway without complete full segmental reorientation in 2550EO as a result of decoupling and high ion solvation behavior. Conversely, in 390EO, ions might move to available sites by a jumping after decoupling with low ion solvation behavior. Consequently, a high t _Li⁺ was achieved, and the oxidative stability of the salt was ensured.     

Non-Flammable Electrolyte Enables High-Voltage and Wide-Temperature Lithium-Ion Batteries with Fast Charging

Electrolyte design has become ever more important to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the flammability issue and high reactivity of the conventional electrolytes remain a major problem, especially when the LIBs are operated at high voltage and extreme temperatures. Herein, we design a novel non-flammable fluorinated ester electrolyte that enables high cycling stability in wide-temperature variations (e.g., −50 °C–60 °C) and superior power capability (fast charge rates up to 5.0 C) for the graphite||LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ (NCM811) battery at high voltage (i.e., >4.3 V vs. Li/Li⁺). Moreover, this work sheds new light on the dynamic evolution and interaction among the Li⁺, solvent, and anion at the molecular level. By elucidating the fundamental relationship between the Li⁺ solvation structure and electrochemical performance, we can facilitate the development of high-safety and high-energy-density batteries operating in harsh conditions.     

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.     

Solvent Molecule Cooperation Enhancing Lithium Metal Battery Performance at Both Electrodes

Developing electrolytes compatible with efficient and reversible cycling of electrodes is critical to the success of rechargeable Li metal batteries (LMBs). The Coulombic efficiencies and cycle lives of LMBs with ethylene carbonate (EC), dimethyl carbonate, ethylene sulfite (ES), and their combinations as electrolyte solvents show that in a binary‐solvent electrolyte the extent of electrolyte decomposition on the electrode surface is dependent on the solvent component that dominates the solvation sheath of Li⁺. This knowledge led to the development of an EC‐ES electrolyte exhibiting high performance for Li||LiFePO₄ batteries. Carbonate molecules occupy the solvation sheath and improve the Coulombic efficiencies of both the anode and cathode. Sulfite molecules lead to desirable morphology and composition of the solid electrolyte interphase and extend the cycle life of the Li metal anode. The cooperation between these components provides a new example of electrolyte optimization for improved LMBs.     

Correlating Polysulfide Solvation Structure with Electrode Kinetics towards Long-Cycling Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Lithium–sulfur (Li−S) batteries are promising due to ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, their cycling lifespan is crucially affected by the electrode kinetics of lithium polysulfides. Herein, the polysulfide solvation structure is correlated with polysulfide electrode kinetics towards long-cycling Li−S batteries. The solvation structure derived from strong solvating power electrolyte induces fast anode kinetics and rapid anode failure, while that derived from weak solvating power electrolyte causes sluggish cathode kinetics and rapid capacity loss. By contrast, the solvation structure derived from medium solvating power electrolyte balances cathode and anode kinetics and improves the cycling performance of Li−S batteries. Li−S coin cells with ultra-thin Li anodes and high-S-loading cathodes deliver 146 cycles and a 338 Wh kg⁻¹ pouch cell undergoes stable 30 cycles. This work clarifies the relationship between polysulfide solvation structure and electrode kinetics and inspires rational electrolyte design for long-cycling Li−S batteries.     

Lithium Salt Dissociation Promoted by 18-Crown-6 Ether Additive toward Dilute Electrolytes for High Performance Lithium Oxygen Batteries

Lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) are well known for their high energy density. However, their reversibility and rate performance are challenged due to the sluggish oxygen reduction/evolution reactions (ORR/OER) kinetics, serious side reactions and uncontrollable Li dendrite growth. The electrolyte plays a key role in transport of Li⁺ and reactive oxygen species in LOBs. Here, we tailored a dilute electrolyte by screening suitable crown ether additives to promote lithium salt dissociation and Li⁺ solvation through electrostatic interaction. The electrolyte containing 100 mM 18-crown-6 ether (100-18C6) exhibits enhanced electrochemical stability and triggers a solution-mediated Li₂O₂ growth pathway in LOBs, showing high discharge capacity of 10 828.8 mAh g_carbon⁻¹. Moreover, optimized electrode/electrolyte interfaces promote ORR/OER kinetics on cathode and achieve dendrite-free Li anode, which enhances the cycle life. This work casts new lights on the design of low-cost dilute electrolytes for high performance LOBs.     

Concentrated Electrolyte for the Sodium–Oxygen Battery: Solvation Structure and Improved Cycle Life

Alkali metal–oxygen batteries are of great interests for energy storage because of their unparalleled theoretical energy densities. Particularly attractive is the emerging Na–O₂ battery because of the formation of superoxide as the discharge product. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a promising solvent for this battery but its instability towards Na makes it impractical in the Na–O₂ battery. Herein we report the enhanced stability of Na in DMSO solutions containing concentrated sodium trifluoromethanesulfonimide (NaTFSI) salts (>3 mol kg^?1). Raman spectra of NaTFSI/DMSO electrolytes and ab initio molecular dynamics simulation reveal the Na⁺ solvation number in DMSO and the formation of Na(DMSO)₃(TFSI)‐like solvation structure. The majority of DMSO molecules solvating Na⁺ in concentrated solutions reduces the available free DMSO molecules that can react with Na and renders the TFSI anion decomposition, which protects Na from reacting with the electrolyte. Using these concentrated electrolytes, Na–O₂ batteries can be cycled forming sodium superoxide (NaO₂) as the sole discharge product with improved long cycle life, highlighting the beneficial role of concentrated electrolytes for Na‐based batteries.     

Evaluating the Free Energies of Solvation and Electronic Structures of Lithium‐Ion Battery Electrolytes

Adaptive biasing force molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations were performed to understand the interaction of Li⁺ with pure carbonates and ethylene carbonate (EC)‐based binary mixtures. The most favorable Li carbonate cluster configurations obtained from molecular dynamics simulations were subjected to detailed structural and thermochemistry calculations on the basis of the M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d,p) level of theory. We report the ranking of these electrolytes on the basis of the free energies of Li‐ion solvation in carbonates and EC‐based mixtures. A strong local tetrahedral order involving four carbonates around the Li⁺ was seen in the first solvation shell. Thermochemistry calculations revealed that the enthalpy of solvation and the Gibbs free energy of solvation of the Li⁺ ion with carbonates are negative and suggested the ion–carbonate complexation process to be exothermic and spontaneous. Natural bond orbital analysis indicated that Li⁺ interacts with the lone pairs of electrons on the carbonyl oxygen atom in the primary solvation sphere. These interactions lead to an increase in the carbonyl (C=O) bond lengths, as evidenced by a redshift in the vibrational frequencies [ν(C=O)] and a decrease in the electron density values at the C=O bond critical points in the primary solvation sphere. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules, localized molecular orbital energy decomposition analysis (LMO‐EDA), and noncovalent interaction plots revealed the electrostatic nature of the Li⁺ ion interactions with the carbonyl oxygen atoms in these complexes. On the basis of LMO‐EDA, the strongest attractive interaction in these complexes was found to be the electrostatic interaction followed by polarization, dispersion, and exchange interactions. Overall, our calculations predicted EC and a binary mixture of EC/dimethyl carbonate to be appropriate electrolytes for Li‐ion batteries, which complies with experiments and other theoretical results.     

An Amphiphilic Molecule-Regulated Core-Shell-Solvation Electrolyte for Li-Metal Batteries at Ultra-Low Temperature

Lithium metal batteries hold great promise for promoting energy density and operating at low temperatures, yet they still suffer from insufficient Li compatibility and slow kinetic, especially at ultra-low temperatures. Herein, we rationally design and synthesize a new amphiphilic solvent, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoro-3-methoxypropane, for use in battery electrolytes. The lithiophilic segment is readily to solvate Li⁺ to induce self-assembly of the electrolyte solution to form a peculiar core-shell-solvation structure. Such unique solvation structure not only largely improves the ionic conductivity to allow fast Li⁺ transport and lower the desolvation energy to enable facile desolvation, but also leads to the formation of a highly robust and conductive inorganic SEI. The resulting electrolyte demonstrates high Li efficiency and superior cycling stability from room temperature to −40 °C at high current densities. Meanwhile, anode-free high-voltage cell retains 87 % capacity after 100 cycles.     

Cyclopentylmethyl Ether,a Non-Fluorinated,Weakly Solvating and Wide Temperature Solvent for High-Performance Lithium Metal Battery

While recent work demonstrates the advantages of weakly solvating solvents in enhancing the cyclability of LMBs, both new designs and design strategies for high performance weakly solvating solvent, especially physicochemical properties, are still lacking. Here, we propose a molecular design to tune the solvating power and physicochemical properties of non-fluorinated ether solvent. The resulting cyclopentylmethyl ether (CPME) have a weak solvating power and wide liquid-phase temperature range. By optimizing the salt concentration, the CE is further promoted to 99.4 %. Besides, the improved electrochemical performance of Li−S battery in CPME-based electrolytes is obtained at −20 °C. The Li||LFP (17.6 mg cm⁻²) battery with developed electrolyte maintains >90 % of the original capacity over 400 cycles. Our design concept for solvent molecule provides a promising pathway to non-fluorinated electrolytes with weakly solvating power and wide temperature window for high-energy-density LMBs.     

Li<Superscript><Emphasis Type="Bold">+</Emphasis></Superscript> Transport Mechanism in Oligo(Ethylene Oxide)s Compared to Carbonates

Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed on oligo(ethylene oxide)s of various molecular weights doped with the lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide salt (LiTFSI) in order to explore the mechanism of Li⁺ transport in materials covering the range from liquid electrolytes to prototypes for high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide)-based polymer electrolytes. Good agreement between MD simulations and experiments is observed for the conductivity of electrolytes as a function of molecular weight. Unlike Li⁺ transport in liquid ethylene carbonate (EC) that comes from approximately equal contributions of vehicular Li⁺ motion (motion together with solvent) and Li⁺ diffusion by solvent exchange, Li⁺ transport in oligoethers was found to occur predominantly by vehicular motion. The slow solvent exchange of Li⁺ in oligo(ethylene oxide)s highlights why high molecular weight amorphous polymer electrolytes with oligo(ethylene oxide)s solvating groups suffer from poor Li⁺ transport. Ion complexation and correlation of cation and anion motion is examined for oligoethers and compared with that in EC.     

Supramolecular Polymer Ion Conductor with Weakened Li Ion Solvation Enables Room Temperature All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries

Improved durability, enhanced interfacial stability, and room temperature applicability are desirable properties for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs), yet these desired properties are rarely achieved simultaneously. Here, in this work, it is noticed that the huge resistance at Li metal/electrolyte interface dominantly impeded the normal cycling of ASSLMBs especially at around room temperature (<30 °C). Accordingly, a supramolecular polymer ion conductor (SPC) with “weak solvation” of Li⁺ was prepared. Benefiting from the halogen-bonding interaction between the electron-deficient iodine atom (on 1,4-diiodotetrafluorobenzene) and electron-rich oxygen atoms (on ethylene oxide), the O-Li⁺ coordination was significantly weakened. Therefore, the SPC achieves rapid Li⁺ transport with high Li⁺ transference number, and importantly, derives a unique Li₂O-rich SEI with low interfacial resistance on lithium metal surface, therefore enabling stable cycling of ASSLMBs even down to 10 °C. This work is a new exploration of halogen-bonding chemistry in solid polymer electrolyte and highlights the importance of “weak solvation” of Li⁺ in the solid-state electrolyte for room temperature ASSLMBs.     

The solvation structure,transport properties and reduction behavior of carbonate-based electrolytes of lithium-ion batteries

Despite the extensive employment of binary/ternary mixed-carbonate electrolytes (MCEs) for Li-ion batteries, the role of each ingredient with regards to the solvation structure, transport properties, and reduction behavior is not fully understood. Herein, we report the atomistic modeling and transport property measurements of the Gen2 (1.2 M LiPF₆ in ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)) and EC-base (1.2 M LiPF₆ in EC) electrolytes, as well as their mixtures with 10 mol% fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC). Due to the mixing of cyclic and linear carbonates, the Gen2 electrolyte is found to have a 60% lower ion dissociation rate and a 44% faster Li⁺ self-diffusion rate than the EC-base electrolyte, while the total ionic conductivities are similar. Moreover, we propose for the first time the anion–solvent exchange mechanism in MCEs with identified energetic and electrostatic origins. For electrolytes with additive, up to 25% FEC coordinates with Li⁺, which exhibits a preferential reduction that helps passivate the anode and facilitates an improved solid electrolyte interphase. The work provides a coherent computational framework for evaluating mixed electrolyte systems.

The different roles of the anion, cyclic and linear carbonates, and additive in mixed-carbonate electrolytes are revealed. The anion–solvent exchange mechanism and factors influencing the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation are deciphered.     

Understanding Structural and Transport Properties of Dissolved Li2S8 in Ionic Liquid Electrolytes through Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Lithium-sulfur batteries with high energy density are considered as one of the most promising future energy storage devices. However, the parasitic lithium polysulfides shuttle phenomenon severely hinders the commercialization of such batteries. Ionic liquids have been found to suppress the lithium polysulfides solubility, diminishing the shuttle effect effectively. Herein, we performed classical molecular dynamics simulations to explore the microscopic mechanism and transport behaviors of typical Li₂S₈ species in ionic liquids and ionic liquid-based electrolyte systems. We found that the trifluoromethanesulfonate anions ([OTf]⁻) exhibit higher coordination strength with lithium ions compared with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions ([TFSI]⁻) in static microstructures. However, the dynamical characteristics indicate that the presence of the [OTf]⁻ anions in ionic liquid electrolytes bring faster Li⁺ exchange rate and easier dissociation of Li⁺ solvation structures. Our simulation models offer a significant guidance to future studies on designing ionic liquid electrolytes for lithium-sulfur batteries.     

Unraveling the Solvent Effect on Solid-Electrolyte Interphase Formation for Sodium Metal Batteries

Ether-based electrolytes are considered as an ideal electrolyte system for sodium metal batteries (SMBs) due to their superior compatibility with the sodium metal anode (SMA). However, the selection principle of ether solvents and the impact on solid electrolyte interphase formation are still unclear. Herein, we systematically compare the chain ether-based electrolyte and understand the relationship between the solvation structure and the interphasial properties. The linear ether solvent molecules with different terminal group lengths demonstrate remarkably distinct solvation effects, thus leading to different electrochemical performance as well as deposition morphologies for SMBs. Computational calculations and comprehensive characterizations indicate that the terminal group length significantly regulates the electrolyte solvation structure and consequently influences the interfacial reaction mechanism of electrolytes on SMA. Cryogenic electron microscopy clearly reveals the difference in solid electrolyte interphase in various ether-based electrolytes. As a result, the 1,2-diethoxyethane-based electrolyte enables a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.9 %, which also realizes the stable cycling of Na||Na₃V₂(PO₄)₃ full cell with a mass loading of ≈9 mg cm⁻² over 500 cycles.     

Solvation effect of the cation of the supporting electrolyte in hexamethylphosphoramide

Polarographic reductions of sodium and potassium ions in hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) have been examined in various supporting electrolytes. The supporting electrolytes, which have much the same solvated radii and much the same electrocapillary curves, sometimes have a significantly different influence on the polarographic reductions of metal ions. The Li⁺ and Hex₄N⁺ ions provide a typical example. Their effective radii are seen to have much the same characteristics. However, the polarographic reduction of the sodium ion shows a difference in shape between that occurring in Li⁺ solution and that in Hex₄N⁺ solution. Another example is found in the case of Et₄N⁺, Me₄N⁺ and 5N6⁺, whose r_eff and the electrocapillary curves are much the same. However, the polarographic reductions of the sodium and potassium ions are different in these solutions. The solvation number of the solvent molecule of the supporting electrolyte cation seems to exert a great influence on these reductions. The electrocapillary curves were also examined with the tetradodecylammonium ion, tetradecylammonium ion and tetraphenylphosphonium ion used as the supporting electrolytes. The inhibition of the reduction of metal ion for these cations is evidence for their lack of solvation. The effects of the solvated asymmetrical tetraalkylammonium ions on the polarographic behaviour were also examined. When some methyl groups cooperate with the tetraalkylammonium ion, the chemical character is between that of the Et₄N⁺ ion and that of the Me₄N⁺ ion.     

Reversible Solid–Solid Conversion of Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile Cathodes in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries by Weakly Solvating Ether Electrolytes

Despite carbonate electrolytes exhibiting good stability to sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN), their chemical incompatibility with lithium (Li) metal anode leads to poor electrochemical performance of Li||SPAN full cells. While the SPAN employs conventional ether electrolytes that suffer from the shuttle effect, leading to rapid capacity fading. Here, we tailor a dilute electrolyte based on a low solvating power ether solvent that is both compatible with SPAN and Li metal. Unlike conventional ether electrolytes, the weakly solvating ether electrolyte enables SPAN to undergo reversibly “solid–solid” conversion. It features an anion–rich solvation structure that allows for the formation of a robust cathode electrolyte interphase on the SPAN, effectively blocking the dissolution of polysulfides into the bulk electrolyte and avoiding the shuttle effect. What's more, the unique electrolyte chemistry endowed Li ions with fast electroplating kinetics and induced high reversibility Li deposition/stripping process from 25 °C to −40 °C. Based on tailored electrolyte, Li||SPAN full cells matched with high loading SPAN cathodes (≈3.6 mAh cm⁻²) and 50 μm Li foil can operate stably over a wide range of temperatures. Additionally, Li||SPAN pouch cell under lean electrolyte and 5 % excess Li conditions can continuously operate stably for over a month.     

Mitigating Swelling of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase using an Inorganic Anion Switch for Low-temperature Lithium-ion Batteries

In overcoming the Li⁺ desolvation barrier for low-temperature battery operation, a weakly-solvated electrolyte based on carboxylate solvent has shown promises. In case of an organic-anion-enriched primary solvation sheath (PSS), we found that the electrolyte tends to form a highly swollen, unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) that shows a high permeability to the electrolyte components, accounting for quickly declined electrochemical performance of graphite-based anode. Here we proposed a facile strategy to tune the swelling property of SEI by introducing an inorganic anion switch into the PSS, via LiDFP co-solute method. By forming a low-swelling, Li₃PO₄-rich SEI, the electrolyte-consuming parasitic reactions and solvent co-intercalation at graphite-electrolyte interface are suppressed, which contributes to efficient Li⁺ transport, reversible Li⁺ (de)intercalation and stable structural evolution of graphite anode in high-energy Li-ion batteries at a low temperature of −20 °C.     

Stable Operation of Lithium Metal Batteries with Aggressive Cathode Chemistries at 4.9 V

High-voltage lithium metal batteries (LMBs) pose severe challenges for the matching of electrolytes with aggressive electrodes, especially at low temperatures. Here, we report a rational modification of the Li⁺ solvation structure to extend the voltage and temperature operating ranges of conventional electrolytes. Ion-ion and ion-dipole interactions as well as the electrochemical window of solvents were tailored to improve oxidation stability and de-solvation kinetics of the electrolyte. Meanwhile, robust and elastic B and F-rich interphases are formed on both electrodes. Such optimization enables Li||LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ cells (90.2 % retention after 400 cycles) and Li||LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ (NCM622) cells (74.0 % retention after 200 cycles) to cycle stably at an ultra-high voltage of 4.9 V. Moreover, NCM622 cells deliver a considerable capacity of 143.5 mAh g⁻¹ at −20 °C, showing great potential for practical uses. The proposed strategy sheds light on further optimization for high-voltage LMBs.