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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Active Diluent-Anion Synergy Strategy Regulating Nonflammable Electrolytes for High-Efficiency Li Metal Batteries

High-energy Li metal batteries (LMBs) consisting of Li metal anodes and high-voltage cathodes are promising candidates of the next generation energy-storage systems owing to their ultrahigh energy density. However, it is still challenging to develop high-voltage nonflammable electrolytes with superior anode and cathode compatibility for LMBs. Here, we propose an active diluent-anion synergy strategy to achieve outstanding compatibility with Li metal anodes and high-voltage cathodes by using 1,2-difluorobenzene (DFB) with high activity for yielding LiF as an active diluent to regulate nonflammable dimethylacetamide (DMAC)-based localized high concentration electrolyte (LHCE-DFB). DFB and bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI⁻) anion cooperate to construct robust LiF-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI), which effectively stabilize DMAC from intrinsic reactions with Li metal anode and enhance the interfacial stability of the Li metal anodes and LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ (NCM811) cathodes. LHCE-DFB enables ultrahigh Coulombic efficiency (98.7 %), dendrite-free, extremely stable and long-term cycling of Li metal anodes in Li || Cu cells and Li || Li cells. The fabricated NCM811 || Li cells with LHCE-DFB display remarkably enhanced long-term cycling stability and excellent rate capability. This work provides a promising active diluent-anion synergy strategy for designing high-voltage electrolytes for high-energy batteries.     

Reactive Polymer as Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interface for Stable Lithium Metal Batteries

Lithium (Li) metal anodes have the highest theoretical capacity and lowest electrochemical potential making them ideal for Li metal batteries (LMBs). However, Li dendrite formation on the anode impedes the proper discharge capacity and practical cycle life of LMBs, particularly in carbonate electrolytes. Herein, we developed a reactive alternative polymer named P(St-MaI) containing carboxylic acid and cyclic ether moieties which would in situ form artificial polymeric solid electrolyte interface (SEI) with Li. This SEI can accommodate volume changes and maintain good interfacial contact. The presence of carboxylic acid and cyclic ether pendant groups greatly contribute to the induction of uniform Li ion deposition. In addition, the presence of benzyl rings makes the polymer have a certain mechanical strength and plays a key role in inhibiting the growth of Li dendrites. As a result, the symmetric Li||Li cell with P(St-MaI)@Li layer can stably cycle for over 900 h under 1 mA cm⁻² without polarization voltage increasing, while their Li||LiFePO₄ full batteries maintain high capacity retention of 96 % after 930 cycles at 1C in carbonate electrolytes. The innovative strategy of artificial SEI is broadly applicable in designing new materials to inhibit Li dendrite growth on Li metal anodes.     

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.     

锂金属电池用高浓度电解液体系研究进展

锂金属二次电池具有极高的能量密度,是下一代储能电池的研究热点。然而,金属锂负极在传统碳酸酯电解液1 mol·L^?1 LiPF6-EC/DEC(ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate)中充放电时,存在严重的枝晶生长和循环效率低下等问题,阻碍了其商业化应用。因此,开发与锂负极兼容的新型电解液体系是目前重要的研究任务。与传统稀溶液相比,高浓度电解液体系具有独有的物化性质和优异的界面相容性,并且能有效抑制锂枝晶生长、显著提升锂负极的循环可逆性,因而格外受到关注。本文综述了高浓度电解液及局部高浓电解液体系的最新研究进展,分析了其溶液化学结构和物化性质,对其与锂负极的界面相容性、枝晶抑制效果、效率提升能力及界面稳定性机制进行了探讨;文章着重介绍了高浓与局部高浓电解液体系在锂金属二次电池中的应用,同时从基础科学研究和应用研究两个层面对高浓电解液和局部高浓电解液存在的主要问题进行了简要分析,并对其未来发展方向进行了展望。     

Lithium Azide as an Electrolyte Additive for All‐Solid‐State Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Of the various beyond‐lithium‐ion battery technologies, lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have an appealing theoretical energy density and are being intensely investigated as next‐generation rechargeable lithium‐metal batteries. However, the stability of the lithium‐metal (Li°) anode is among the most urgent challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the long‐term stability of Li–S batteries. Herein, we report lithium azide (LiN₃) as a novel electrolyte additive for all‐solid‐state Li–S batteries (ASSLSBs). It results in the formation of a thin, compact and highly conductive passivation layer on the Li° anode, thereby avoiding dendrite formation, and polysulfide shuttling. It greatly enhances the cycling performance, Coulombic and energy efficiencies of ASSLSBs, outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art additive lithium nitrate (LiNO₃).     

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.     

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.     

Magnetohydrodynamic Interface-Rearranged Lithium Ions Distribution for Uniform Lithium Deposition and Stable Lithium Metal Anode

Uneven lithium (Li) electrodeposition hinders the wide application of high-energy-density Li metal batteries (LMBs). Current efforts mainly focus on the side-reaction suppression between Li and electrolyte, neglecting the determinant factor of mass transport in affecting Li deposition. Herein, guided Li⁺ mass transport under the action of a local electric field near magnetic nanoparticles or structures at the Li metal interface, known as the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) effect, are proposed to promote uniform Li deposition. The modified Li⁺ trajectories are revealed by COMSOL Multiphysics simulations, and verified by the compact and disc-like Li depositions on a model Fe₃O₄ substrate. Furthermore, a patterned mesh with the magnetic Fe−Cr₂O₃ core-shell skeleton is used as a facile and efficient protective structure for Li metal anodes, enabling Li metal batteries to achieve a Coulombic efficiency of 99.5 % over 300 cycles at a high cathode loading of 5.0 mAh cm⁻². The Li protection strategy based on the MHD interface design might open a new opportunity to develop high-energy-density LMBs.     

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.     

Lithium Nitrate Regulated Sulfone Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries

The electrolytes in lithium metal batteries have to be compatible with both lithium metal anodes and high voltage cathodes, and can be regulated by manipulating the solvation structure. Herein, to enhance the electrolyte stability, lithium nitrate (LiNO₃) and 1,1,2,2-tetrafuoroethyl-2′,2′,2′-trifuoroethyl(HFE) are introduced into the high-concentration sulfolane electrolyte to suppress Li dendrite growth and achieve a high Coulombic efficiency of >99 % for both the Li anode and LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ (NMC811) cathodes. Molecular dynamics simulations show that NO₃⁻ participates in the solvation sheath of lithium ions enabling more bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anion (TFSI⁻) to coordinate with Li⁺ ions. Therefore, a robust LiN_xO_y−LiF-rich solid electrolyte interface (SEI) is formed on the Li surface, suppressing Li dendrite growth. The LiNO₃-containing sulfolane electrolyte can also support the highly aggressive LiNi_0.8Mn_0.1Co_0.1O₂ (NMC811) cathode, delivering a discharge capacity of 190.4 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.5 C for 200 cycles with a capacity retention rate of 99.5 %.     

Structure Sensitivity in the Decomposition of Ethylene Carbonate on Si Anodes

The interaction of ethylene carbonate (EC) with Si surfaces is studied by density functional theory. The results show a strong structure sensitivity in the adsorption of EC on Si surfaces. While the adsorbed EC molecule readily decomposes on the Li/Si(111) surface, it does not dissociate on the Li/Si(100) and Li/Si(110) surfaces. On Si(111), the O atom at the top of EC is detached from the EC molecule and binds to the Li adatom, forming Li?O molecules. The mechanism of EC decomposition is the transfer of 2.4 electrons from the surface to the EC molecule, as well as the formation of a covalent bond between the Li adatom and the EC molecule. This result shows that in lithium‐ion batteries with Si anodes, dissociation of the solvent and formation of a solid electrolyte interphase layer start as soon as the Li atoms cover the anode surface.     

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.     

Facile Generation of Polymer–Alloy Hybrid Layers for Dendrite‐Free Lithium‐Metal Anodes with Improved Moisture Stability

Lithium‐metal anodes are recognized as the most promising next‐generation anodes for high‐energy‐storage batteries. However, lithium dendrites lead to irreversible capacity decay in lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs). Besides, the strict assembly‐environment conditions of LMBs are regarded as a challenge for practical applications. In this study, a workable lithium‐metal anode with an artificial hybrid layer composed of a polymer and an alloy was designed and prepared by a simple chemical‐modification strategy. Treated lithium anodes remained dendrite‐free for over 1000 h in a Li–Li symmetric cell and exhibited outstanding cycle performance in high‐areal‐loading Li–S and Li–LiFePO₄ full cells. Moreover, the treated lithium showed improved moisture stability that benefits from the hydrophobicity of the polymer, thus retaining good electrochemical performance after exposure to humid air.     

An Intrinsic Flame‐Retardant Organic Electrolyte for Safe Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries

Safety concerns pose a significant challenge for the large‐scale employment of lithium–sulfur batteries. Extremely flammable conventional electrolytes and dendritic lithium deposition cause severe safety issues. Now, an intrinsic flame‐retardant (IFR) electrolyte is presented consisting of 1.1 m lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide in a solvent mixture of flame‐retardant triethyl phosphate and high flashpoint solvent 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl (1:3, v/v) for safe lithium–sulfur (Li?S) batteries. This electrolyte exhibits favorable flame‐retardant properties and high reversibility of the lithium metal anode (Coulombic efficiency >99 %). This IFR electrolyte enables stable lithium plating/stripping behavior with micro‐sized and dense‐packing lithium deposition at high temperatures. When coupled with a sulfurized pyrolyzed poly(acrylonitrile) cathode, Li?S batteries deliver a high composite capacity (840.1 mAh g^?1) and high sulfur utilization of 95.6 %.     

Recent progress in liquid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries

Li metal batteries are revived as the next-generation batteries beyond Li-ion batteries. The Li metal anode can be paired with intercalation-type cathodes LiMO₂ and conversion-type cathodes such as sulfur and oxygen. Then, energy densities of Li/LiMO₂ and Li/S,O₂ batteries can reach 400 Whkg^?1 and more than 500 Whkg^?1, respectively, which surpass that of the state-of-the-art LIB (280 Whkg^?1). However, replacing the intercalation-type graphite anode with the Li metal anode suffers from low coulombic efficiency during repeated Li plating/stripping processes, which leads to short cycle lifetime and potential safety problems. The key solution is to construct a stable and uniform solid electrolyte interphase with high Li⁺ transport and high elastic strength on the Li metal anode. This review summarizes recent progress in improving the solid electrolyte interphase by tailoring liquid electrolytes, a classical but the most convenient and cost-effective strategy.     

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.