Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) electrode: Part III. Deposition-dissolution process of lithium in thionyl-chloride solution

The deposition-dissolution mechanism of lithium on stainless steel and calcium electrodes in 1 M LiAlCl₄ -thionyl-chloride solution is studied by pulse galvanostatic and ac techniques. The metal -solution interfacial capacitance of the stainless steel electrode is about 30 μF cm^?2 which is higher by an order of magnitude than the capacitance of lithium-coated stainless steel and either pure or lithium-coated calcium. The lower capacitance is attributed to the existence of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the coated stainless steel or the calcium electrode.Significantly different is observed upon deposition of lithium on stainless steel or calcium. Deposition on stainless steel takes place only after prior formation of a SEI on the electrode (by passage of about 20 mC cm^?2), while deposition on calcium starts immediately after the electrode capacitance has been charged (by about 5 μC cm^?2). Furthermore, deposition of about 3% of a monolayer of lithium on calcium is enough to stabilize its potential at 0.0 V vs. LiRE.On the lithium-coated stainless steel electrode, a linear relationship between the current and over-potential is observed for up to 700 mV. This indicates a Tafel slope > V. During lithium deposition on stainless steel, the SEI resistivity is about 1.5 × 10⁷ Ω-cm and its thickness is about 10 nm.Under open circuit potential, the deposited lithium corrodes at an apparent rate of 100 μA cm^?2. Rapid fluctuations of the electrode potential during the corrosion or dissolution process are accounted for by a break and repair mechanism of metallic contact between lithium deposited within the SEI and the current collector.     

A review on the failure and regulation of solid electrolyte interphase in lithium batteries

Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) has been widely recognized as the most important and the least understood component in lithium batteries.Considering the intr...     

Synthesizing an inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase by tailoring solvent chemistry in carbonate electrolyte for enabling high-voltage lithium metal batteries

High-voltage(>4.0 V) lithium metal battery(LBM) is considered to be one of the most promising candidates for next-generation high-energy batteries. However, the commercial carbonate electrolyte delivers a poor compatibility with Li metal anode, and its organic dominated solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) shows a low interfacial energy and a slow Li⁺diffusion ability. In this work, an inorganic LiF-Li₃N rich SEI is designed to enable high-voltage LBM by introducing nano-cu...     

Unique double-layer solid electrolyte interphase formed with fluorinated ether-based electrolytes for high-voltage lithium metal batteries

Li metal batteries using high-voltage layered oxides cathodes are of particular interest due to their high energy density. However, they suffer from short lifespan and extreme safety concerns, which are attributed to the degradation of layered oxides and the decomposition of electrolyte at high voltage, as well as the high reactivity of metallic Li. The key is the development of stable electrolytes against both highvoltage cathodes and Li with the formation of robust interphase films on the surf...     

Polar interaction of polymer host–solvent enables stable solid electrolyte interphase in composite lithium metal anodes

The lithium(Li) metal anode is an integral component in an emerging high-energy-density rechargeable battery.A composite Li anode with a three-dimensional(3 D) host exhibits unique advantages in suppressing Li dendrites and maintaining dimensional stability.However,the fundamental understanding and regulation of solid electrolyte interphase(SEI),which directly dictates the behavior of Li plating/stripping,are rarely researched in composite Li metal anodes.Herein,the interaction between a polar p...     

Suppression of dendritic lithium formation by using concentrated electrolyte solutions

This study examined the electrochemical deposition and dissolution of lithium on nickel electrodes in a propylene carbonate (PC) electrolyte containing different LiN(SO₂C₂F₅)₂ concentrations. The electrolyte concentration was found to have a significant effect on the reactions occurring at the electrode. The poor cycleability of the electrodes in the low-concentration solutions was improved considerably by increasing the electrolyte concentration. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that a high-concentration solution produces a thinner solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the electrodeposited lithium than a low-concentration solution, e.g., ∼35 nm in 1.28 mol kg⁻¹ vs. ∼20 nm in 3.27 mol kg⁻¹ solutions. Raman spectroscopy showed that the solvation number of lithium ions differed according to the electrolyte concentration. This suggests that the structure of solvated lithium ions is an important factor in suppressing dendritic lithium formation.     

Modification of solid electrolyte interphase on deposited lithium metal by large separation between the electrodes in ether-based electrolytes

Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry - A thorough understanding of the lithium deposition behavior will facilitate the commercialization of lithium metal anodes. Despite enormous effort, an...     

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.     

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.     

Improving metallic lithium anode with Na PF6additive in Li PF6-carbonate electrolyte

正Metallic lithium anode is widely applied to building highenergy-density batteries such as lithium–sulfur and lithium–oxygen batteries because of its high specific capacity(3860 m Ah g~(-1)) and lowest negative potential (-3.04 V vs.standard hydrogen electrode (SHE))[1,2]. However, the practical applications of Li anode remain challenging [3–6]. The large volume change during repeated plating/stripping of Li would cause mechanical and interfacial instability [7,8]. The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layers on lithium surface with poor elasticity     

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.     

Electrolyte-dependent formation of solid electrolyte interphase and ion intercalation revealed by in situ surface characterizations

The formation of solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) and ion intercalation are two key processes in rechargeable batteries, which need to be explored under dynamic operating conditions. In this work, both planar and sandwich model lithium batteries consisting of Li metal | ionic liquid electrolyte | graphite electrode have been constructed and investigated by a series of in situ surface analysis platforms including atomic force microscopy, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is found th...     

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.     

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.     

In-situ nanoscale insights into the evolution of solid electrolyte interphase shells: revealing interfacial degradation in lithium metal batteries

The solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) has caught considerable attention as a pivotal factor affecting lithium(Li) metal battery performances. However, the understanding of the interfacial evolution and properties of the on-site formed SEI shells on Li deposits during cycling is still at a preliminary stage. Here, we provide a straightforward visualized evidence of SEI shells' evolution during Li deposition/stripping to reveal anode degradation via in-situ atomic force microscopy(AFM). Nucleation and growth of quasi-spherical Li particles are observed on a Cu substrate, followed by Li stripping and collapse of SEI shells. In the subsequent cycling, new Li deposits tend to nucleate at pristine sites with fresh SEI shells forming on Li. The previously collapsed SEI shells accumulate to increase interface impedance, eventually leading to capacity degradation. Revealing the electrochemical processes and interfacial degradation at the nanoscale will enrich fundamental comprehension and further guide improvement strategies of Li metal anodes.     

High-performance gel-type lithium electrolyte membranes

Battery-grade solution products have been used for the synthesis of new types of poly(acrylonitrile) PAN-based polymer electrolyte membranes. Basically, two classes of membranes have been prepared differing by the type of lithium salt in the ethylene carbonate–dimethyl carbonate (EC–DMC) solution trapped in the PAN matrix, i.e. LiPF₆ or LiC(CF₃SO₂)₃ lithium methide salt, respectively. The results demonstrate that both classes of membranes have high conductivity and very good chemical and electrochemical stability. These unique characteristics make the membranes suitable for applications in high-voltage, rechargeable lithium batteries.     

Electronic structure calculations on lithium battery electrolyte salts

New lithium salts for non-aqueous liquid, gel and polymeric electrolytes are crucial due to the limiting role of the electrolyte in modern lithium batteries. The solvation of any lithium salt to form an electrolyte solution ultimately depends on the strength of the cation-solvent vs. the cation-anion interaction. Here, the latter is probed via HF, B3LYP and G3 theory gas-phase calculations for the dissociation reaction: LiX <--> Li(+) + X(-). Furthermore, a continuum solvation method (C-PCM) has been applied to mimic solvent effects. Anion volumes were also calculated to facilitate a discussion on ion conductivities and cation transport numbers. Judging from the present results, synthesis efforts should target heterocyclic anions with a size of ca. 150 A(3) molecule(-1) to render new highly dissociative lithium salts that result in electrolytes with high cation transport numbers.     

Review on multi-scale models of solid-electrolyte interphase formation

Electrolyte reduction products form the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) on negative electrodes of lithium-ion batteries. Even though this process practically stabilizes the electrode–electrolyte interface, it results in continued capacity-fade limiting lifetime and safety of lithium-ion batteries. Recent atomistic and continuum theories give new insights into the growth of structures and the transport of ions in the SEI. The diffusion of neutral radicals has emerged as a prominent candidate for the long-term growth mechanism, because it predicts the observed potential dependence of SEI growth.     

Solid lithium electrolytes based on Fe3+-modified lithium orthogermanate

Solid lithium electrolytes in the Li_4-3x Fe _x GeO₄ system were synthesized. Their phase composition, thermal behavior, and electrical conductivity were studied in the temperature interval 300–750°C. Introduction of Fe³⁺ ions into lithium orthogermanate leads to the formation of a γ-Li₃PO₄-type structure and to a sharp increase in the conductivity, with a maximum reached at x = 0.075–0.15: about 10^?1 S cm^?1 at 300°C and more than 1 S cm^?1 at 700°C. The main current carriers are interstitial Li⁺ cations weakly bound with the rigid framework. Owing to high conductivity, the electrolytes studied are of interest for use in high-temperature electrochemical devices.     

Physical vapour deposition of metallic lithium

The preparation of thin films of LiF was resumed at the European Commission-Joint Research Centre-Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements (EC-JRC-IRMM) few years ago. Deposits of ⁶LiF for cross-section measurements and ⁷LiF for neutron production via the Li(p,n) reaction with an areal density up to ~600 μg cm^?2 are prepared by physical vapour deposition. In order to reach high neutron yields, a larger number of lithium nuclei per unit surface is required. In a proton beam, interaction with fluorine results in high-energetic gamma-rays which can interfere with experiments making use of gamma spectrometry. In this regard, the deposition of metallic lithium by means of physical vapour deposition up to an areal density of 300 μg cm^?2 was examined. Yet, metallic lithium is known to diffuse into certain materials and reacts with atmospheric air by forming several reaction products. Therefore, the effect of a passivation layer on the substrate and protective covers of Au or LiF on the metallic Li layer (sandwiches), deposited by means of a multi-crucible evaporation system, and the stability of the layers when irradiated with a proton beam were investigated.