Solvation Rule for Solid-Electrolyte Interphase Enabler in Lithium-Metal Batteries

Despite the exceptionally high energy density of lithium metal anodes, the practical application of lithium-metal batteries (LMBs) is still impeded by the instability of the interphase between the lithium metal and the electrolyte. To formulate a functional electrolyte system that can stabilize the lithium-metal anode, the solvation behavior of the solvent molecules must be understood because the electrochemical properties of a solvent can be heavily influenced by its solvation status. We unambiguously demonstrated the solvation rule for the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) enabler in an electrolyte system. In this study, fluoroethylene carbonate was used as the SEI enabler due to its ability to form a robust SEI on the lithium metal surface, allowing relatively stable LMB cycling. The results revealed that the solvation number of fluoroethylene carbonate must be ≥1 to ensure the formation of a stable SEI in which the sacrificial reduction of the SEI enabler subsequently leads to the stable cycling of LMBs.     

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.     

Highly Stable Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Regulating the Solvation of Lithium Ions in Nonaqueous Electrolytes

Safe and rechargeable lithium metal batteries have been difficult to achieve because of the formation of lithium dendrites. Herein an emerging electrolyte based on a simple solvation strategy is proposed for highly stable lithium metal anodes in both coin and pouch cells. Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and lithium nitrate (LiNO₃) were concurrently introduced into an electrolyte, thus altering the solvation sheath of lithium ions, and forming a uniform solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), with an abundance of LiF and LiN_xO_y on a working lithium metal anode with dendrite‐free lithium deposition. Ultrahigh Coulombic efficiency (99.96 %) and long lifespans (1000 cycles) were achieved when the FEC/LiNO₃ electrolyte was applied in working batteries. The solvation chemistry of electrolyte was further explored by molecular dynamics simulations and first‐principles calculations. This work provides insight into understanding the critical role of the solvation of lithium ions in forming the SEI and delivering an effective route to optimize electrolytes for safe lithium metal 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.     

Fluoroethylene Carbonate Enabling a Robust LiF‐rich Solid Electrolyte Interphase to Enhance the Stability of the MoS2 Anode for Lithium‐Ion Storage

As a high‐capacity anode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), MoS₂ suffers from short lifespan that is due in part to its unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). The cycle life of MoS₂ can be greatly extended by manipulating the SEI with a fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive. The capacity of MoS₂ in the electrolyte with 10 wt % FEC stabilizes at about 770 mAh g^?1 for 200 cycles at 1 A g^?1, which far surpasses the FEC‐free counterpart (ca. 40 mAh g^?1 after 150 cycles). The presence of FEC enables a robust LiF‐rich SEI that can effectively inhibit the continual electrolyte decomposition. A full cell with a LiNi_0.5Co_0.3Mn_0.2O₂ cathode also gains improved performance in the FEC‐containing electrolyte. These findings reveal the importance of controlling SEI formation on MoS₂ toward promoted lithium storage, opening a new avenue for developing metal sulfides as high‐capacity electrodes for LIBs.     

Electrolyte and interphase engineering through solvation structure regulation for stable lithium metal batteries

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are considered to be one of the most promising high-energy-density battery systems. However, their practical application in carbonate electrolytes is hampered by lithium dendrite growth, resulting in short cycle life. Herein, an electrolyte regulation strategy is developed to improve the cyclability of LMBs in carbonate electrolytes by introducing LiNO₃ using trimethyl phosphate with a slightly higher donor number compared to NO₃⁻ as a solubilizer. This not only allows the formaion of Li⁺-coordinated NO₃⁻ but also achieves the regulation of electrolyte solvation structures, leading to the formation of robust and ion-conductive solid-electrolyte interphase films with inorganic-rich inner and organic-rich outer layers on the Li metal anodes. As a result, high Coulombic efficiency of 99.1% and stable plating/stripping cycling of Li metal anode in Li||Cu cells were realized. Furthermore, excellent performance was also demonstrated in Li||LiNi_0.83Co_0.11Mn_0.06O₂ (NCM83) full cells and Cu||NCM83 anode-free cells using high mass-loading cathodes. This work provides a simple interphase engineering strategy through regulating the electrolyte solvation structures for high-energy-density LMBs.     

Electrolyte Chemistry Enables Simultaneous Stabilization of Potassium Metal and Alloying Anode for Potassium‐Ion Batteries

Alloying anodes are promising high‐capacity electrode materials for K‐ion batteries (KIBs). However, KIBs based on alloying anodes suffer from rapid capacity decay due to the instability of K metal and large volume expansion of alloying anodes. Herein, the effects of salts and solvents on the cycling stability of KIBs based on a typical alloying anode such as amorphous red phosphorus (RP) are investigated, and the potassium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (KFSI) salt‐based carbonate electrolyte is versatile to achieve simultaneous stabilization of K metal and RP electrodes for highly stable KIBs. This salt‐solvent complex with a moderate solvation energy can alleviate side reactions between K metal and the electrolyte and facilitate K⁺ ion diffusion/desolvation. Moreover, robust SEI layers that form on K metal and RP electrodes can suppress K dendrite growth and resist RP volume change. This strategy of electrolyte regulation can be applicable to other alloying anodes for high‐performance KIBs.     

Interfacial Evolution of Lithium Dendrites and Their Solid Electrolyte Interphase Shells of Quasi‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Metal Batteries

Unstable electrode/solid‐state electrolyte interfaces and internal lithium dendrite penetration hamper the applications of solid‐state lithium‐metal batteries (SSLMBs), and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Herein, in situ optical microscopy provides insights into the lithium plating/stripping processes in a gel polymer electrolyte and reveals its dynamic evolution. Spherical lithium deposits evolve into moss‐like and branch‐shaped lithium dendrites with increasing current densities. Remarkably, the on‐site‐formed solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) shell on the lithium dendrite is distinctly captured after lithium stripping. Inducing an on‐site‐formed SEI shell with an enhanced modulus to wrap the lithium precipitation densely and uniformly can regulate dendrite‐free behaviors. An in‐depth understanding of lithium dendrite evolution and its functional SEI shell will aid in the optimization of SSLMBs.     

Enabling High‐Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries by Manipulating Solvation Structure in Ester Electrolyte

Lithium metal is an ideal electrode material for future rechargeable lithium metal batteries. However, the widespread deployment of metallic lithium anode is significantly hindered by its dendritic growth and low Coulombic efficiency, especially in ester solvents. Herein, by rationally manipulating the electrolyte solvation structure with a high donor number solvent, enhancement of the solubility of lithium nitrate in an ester‐based electrolyte is successfully demonstrated, which enables high‐voltage lithium metal batteries. Remarkably, the electrolyte with a high concentration of LiNO₃ additive presents an excellent Coulombic efficiency up to 98.8 % during stable galvanostatic lithium plating/stripping cycles. A full‐cell lithium metal battery with a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathode exhibits a stable cycling performance showing limited capacity decay. This approach provides an effective electrolyte manipulation strategy to develop high‐voltage lithium metal batteries.     

Electrolyte Solvation Manipulation Enables Unprecedented Room‐Temperature Calcium‐Metal Batteries

Calcium‐metal batteries (CMBs) provide a promising option for high‐energy and cost‐effective energy‐storage technology beyond the current state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries. Nevertheless, the development of room‐temperature CMBs is significantly impeded by the poor reversibility and short lifespan of the calcium‐metal anode. A solvation manipulation strategy is reported to improve the plating/stripping reversibility of calcium‐metal anodes by enhancing the desolvation kinetics of calcium ions in the electrolyte. The introduction of lithium salt changes the electrolyte structure considerably by reducing coordination number of calcium ions in the first solvation shell. As a result, an unprecedented Coulombic efficiency of up to 99.1 % is achieved for galvanostatic plating/stripping of the calcium‐metal anode, accompanied by a very stable long‐term cycling performance over 200 cycles at room temperature. This work may open up new opportunities for development of practical CMBs.     

An Artificial Lithium Protective Layer that Enables the Use of Acetonitrile‐Based Electrolytes in Lithium Metal Batteries

The resurgence of the lithium metal battery requires innovations in technology, including the use of non‐conventional liquid electrolytes. The inherent electrochemical potential of lithium metal (?3.04 V vs. SHE) inevitably limits its use in many solvents, such as acetonitrile, which could provide electrolytes with increased conductivity. The aim of this work is to produce an artificial passivation layer at the lithium metal/electrolyte interface that is electrochemically stable in acetonitrile‐based electrolytes. To produce such a stable interface, the lithium metal was immersed in fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) to generate a passivation layer via the spontaneous decomposition of the solvent. With this passivation layer, the chemical stability of lithium metal is shown for the first time in 1 m LiPF₆ in acetonitrile.     

Fluorinated Aromatic Diluent for High‐Performance Lithium Metal Batteries

In lithium metal batteries, electrolytes containing a high concentration of salts have demonstrated promising cyclability, but their practicality with respect to the cost of materials is yet to be proved. Here we report a fluorinated aromatic compound, namely 1,2‐difluorobenzene, for use as a diluent solvent in the electrolyte to realize the “high‐concentration effect”. The low energy level of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), weak binding affinity for lithium ions, and high fluorine‐donating power of 1,2‐difluorobenzene jointly give rise to the high‐concentration effect at a bulk salt concentration near 2 m , while modifying the composition of the solid‐electrolyte‐interphase (SEI) layer to be rich in lithium fluoride (LiF). The employment of triple salts to prevent corrosion of the aluminum current collector further improves cycling performance. This study offers a design principle for achieving a local high‐concentration effect with reasonably low bulk concentrations of salts.     

Deep‐Eutectic‐Solvent‐Based Self‐Healing Polymer Electrolyte for Safe and Long‐Life Lithium‐Metal Batteries

The deployment of high‐energy‐density lithium‐metal batteries has been greatly impeded by Li dendrite growth and safety concerns originating from flammable liquid electrolytes. Herein, we report a stable quasi‐solid‐state Li metal battery with a deep eutectic solvent (DES)‐based self‐healing polymer (DSP) electrolyte. This electrolyte was fabricated in a facile manner by in situ copolymerization of 2‐(3‐(6‐methyl‐4‐oxo‐1,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2‐yl)ureido)ethyl methacrylate (UPyMA) and pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETEA) monomers in a DES‐based electrolyte containing fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) as an additive. The well‐designed DSP electrolyte simultaneously possesses non‐flammability, high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, and dendrite‐free Li plating. When applied in Li metal batteries with a LiMn₂O₄ cathode, the DSP electrolyte effectively suppressed manganese dissolution from the cathode and enabled high‐capacity and a long lifespan at room and elevated temperatures.     

亲锂电解液在LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2／Li二次锂金属电池中的电化学性能

金属锂电池被认为是具有良好前景的下一代高能量密度电池。然而,传统的碳酸酯类电解液与锂的亲和性差,在循环过程中由于锂枝晶的生长和固体电解质膜（SEI）的不稳定导致金属锂电池性能快速衰减。采用1.2 mol／L六氟磷酸锂（LiPF₆）／二氟草酸硼酸锂（LiDFOB）／氟代碳酸乙烯酯（FEC）／碳酸二乙酯（DEC）,并添加了双三氟甲磺酰亚胺锂（LiTFSI）作为电解液,对其在LiNi_0.6Mn_0.2Co_0.2O₂／40 μm-Li（单位面积上负／正极材料的实际容量的比N／P＝2.85）电池中的电化学性能进行了研究。LiNi_0.6Mn_0.2Co_0.2O₂／40 μm-Li电池表现出优异的循环稳定性（循环120圈后,容量保持率>93%）和倍率性能（3C倍率下放电比容量为110 mA·h／g）。良好的电化学性能主要归因于该电解液可以在金属锂表面形成致密且稳定的SEI,并抑制锂枝晶的产生。     

Electrolyte Regulation towards Stable Lithium‐Metal Anodes in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries with Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile Cathodes

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are highly regarded as the next‐generation energy‐storage devices because of their ultrahigh theoretical energy density of 2600 Wh kg^?1. Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) is considered a promising sulfur cathode to substitute carbon/sulfur (C/S) composites to afford higher Coulombic efficiency, improved cycling stability, and potential high‐energy‐density Li–SPAN batteries. However, the instability of the Li‐metal anode threatens the performances of Li–SPAN batteries bringing limited lifespan and safety hazards. Li‐metal can react with most kinds of electrolyte to generate a protective solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), electrolyte regulation is a widely accepted strategy to protect Li‐metal anodes in rechargeable batteries. Herein, the basic principles and current challenges of Li–SPAN batteries are addressed. Recent advances on electrolyte regulation towards stable Li‐metal anodes in Li–SPAN batteries are summarized to suggest design strategies of solvents, lithium salts, additives, and gel electrolyte. Finally, prospects for future electrolyte design and Li anode protection in Li–SPAN batteries are discussed.     

Simultaneous Stabilization of Lithium Anode and Cathode using Hyperconjugative Electrolytes for High-voltage Lithium Metal Batteries

Although great progress has been made in new electrolytes for lithium metal batteries (LMBs), the intrinsic relationship between electrolyte composition and cell performance remains unclear due to the lack of valid quantization method. Here, we proposed the concept of negative center of electrostatic potential (NCESP) and Mayer bond order (MBO) to describe solvent capability, which highly relate to solvation structure and oxidation potential, respectively. Based on established principles, the selected electrolyte with 1.7 M LiFSI in methoxytrimethylsilane (MOTMS)/ (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane (TFMTMS) shows unique hyperconjugation nature to stabilize both Li anode and high-voltage cathode. The 4.6 V 30 μm Li||4.5 mAh cm⁻² lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) (low N/P ratio of 1.3) cell with our electrolyte shows stable cycling with 91 % capacity retention over 200 cycles. The bottom-up design concept of electrolyte opens up a general strategy for advancing high-voltage LMBs.     

A Liquid/Liquid Electrolyte Interface that Inhibits Corrosion and Dendrite Growth of Lithium in Lithium‐Metal Batteries

A proof‐of‐concept study on a liquid/liquid (L/L) two‐phase electrolyte interface is reported by using the polarity difference of solvent for the protection of Li‐metal anode with long‐term operation over 2000 h. The L/L electrolyte interface constructed by non‐polar fluorosilicane (PFTOS) and conventionally polar dimethyl sulfoxide solvents can block direct contact between conventional electrolyte and Li anode, and consequently their side reactions can be significantly eliminated. Moreover, the homogeneous Li‐ion flow and Li‐mass deposition can be realized by the formation of a thin and uniform solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) composed of LiF, Li_xC, Li_xSiO_y between PFTOS and Li anode, as well as the super‐wettability state of PFTOS to Li anode, resulting in the suppression of Li dendrite formation. The cycling stability in a lithium–oxygen battery as a model is improved 4 times with the L/L electrolyte interface.     

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.     

Rational Lithium Salt Molecule Tuning for Fast Charging/Discharging Lithium Metal Battery

The electrolytes for lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are plagued by a low Li⁺ transference number (T₊) of conventional lithium salts and inability to form a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Here, we synthesized a self-folded lithium salt, lithium 2-[2-(2-methoxy ethoxy)ethoxy]ethanesulfonyl(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (LiETFSI), and comparatively studied with its structure analogue, lithium 1,1,1-trifluoro-N-[2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)]ethyl]methanesulfonamide (LiFEA). The special anion chemistry imparts the following new characteristics: i) In both LiFEA and LiETFSI, the ethylene oxide moiety efficiently captures Li⁺, resulting in a self-folded structure and high T₊ around 0.8. ii) For LiFEA, a Li−N bond (2.069 Å) is revealed by single crystal X-ray diffraction, indicating that the FEA anion possesses a high donor number (DN) and thus an intensive interphase “self-cleaning” function for an ultra-thin and compact SEI. iii) Starting from LiFEA, an electron-withdrawing sulfone group is introduced near the N atom. The distance of Li−N is tuned from 2.069 Å in LiFEA to 4.367 Å in LiETFSI. This alteration enhances ionic separation, achieves a more balanced DN, and tunes the self-cleaning intensity for a reinforced SEI. Consequently, the fast charging/discharging capability of LMBs is progressively improved. This rationally tuned anion chemistry reshapes the interactions among Li⁺, anions, and solvents, presenting new prospects for advanced LMBs.     

影响电池性能的因素：金属离子溶剂化结构衍生的界面行为还是固体电解质界面膜?

通过电解液分解在电极上形成的固体电解质界面（SEI）层被认为是影响电池性能的最重要因素。 然而，我们发现金属离子溶剂化结构也会影响其电极性能，尤其可以阐明许多SEI无法解释的实验现象。基于该综述，本文总结了金属离子溶剂化结构和衍生的金属离子去溶剂化行为的重要性，并建立了相应的界面模型以展示界面行为和电极性能之间的关系，并将其应用于不同的电极和电池体系。我们强调了电极界面离子/分子相互作用对电极性能的影响，该解释与以往基于SEI的解释不同。该综述为理解电池性能和指导电解液设计提供了一个新的视角。