Stabilizing Lithium Plating by a Biphasic Surface Layer Formed In Situ

The dendritic growth of Li metal leads to electrode degradation and safety concerns, impeding its application in building high energy density batteries. Forming a protective layer on the Li surface that is electron‐insulating, ion‐conducting, and maintains an intimate interface is critical. We herein demonstrate that Li plating is stabilized by a biphasic surface layer composed of a lithium‐indium alloy and a lithium halide, formed in situ by the reaction of an electrolyte additive with Li metal. This stabilization is attributed to the fast lithium migration though the alloy bulk and lithium halide surface, which is enabled by the electric field across the layer that is established owing to the electron‐insulating halide phase. A greatly stabilized Li‐electrolyte interface and dendrite‐free plating over 400 hours in Li|Li symmetric cells using an alkyl carbonate electrolyte is demonstrated. High energy efficiency operation of the Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ (LTO)|Li cell over 1000 cycles is achieved.     

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.     

Interfacial processes at single-crystal β-Sn electrodes in organic carbonate electrolytes

In situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectroscopic ellipsometry were used to study the mechanism of organic carbonate electrolytes decomposition and surface layer (re)formation at β-Sn(001) and (100) single crystal electrodes. Interfacial phenomena were investigated at potentials above 0.8 V vs. Li/Li⁺, i.e. where no Sn–Li alloying takes place. The Sn(001) electrode tends to form a protective surface layer of electrolyte reduction products during the first cathodic CV scan, which effectively inhibits further reduction of the electrolyte upon cycling. In contrast, the Sn(100) electrode produces a thick, inhomogeneous and unstable surface layer. The observed significant difference of Sn reactivity toward the electrolyte as a function of Sn surface crystalline orientation suggests radically different reaction paths, reduction products, and properties of the surface film.     

Thermal and electrochemical characteristics of plasticized polymer electrolytes based on poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl methacrylate)

The thermal and electrochemical characteristics of plasticized polymer electrolytes composed of poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl methacrylate) [P(AN-co-MMA)], a plasticizer [a mixture of ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate], and LiCF₃SO₃ were investigated. The incorporation of a MMA unit into the matrix polymer was effective for an increase in the compatibility between the matrix polymer and the plasticizer. The comparative investigation of the interfacial resistance of the Li/polymer electrolyte/Li cell for the PAN-based and the P(AN-co-MMA)-based polymer electrolytes showed that the MMA unit could improve the stability of the polymer electrolyte toward the Li electrode, which is probably due to the enhanced adhesion of the polymer electrolyte to the Li electrode. Received: 14 July 1997 / Accepted: 14 May 1998     

Two‐Plateau Li‐Se Chemistry for High Volumetric Capacity Se Cathodes

For Li‐Se batteries, ether‐ and carbonate‐based electrolytes are commonly used. However, because of the “shuttle effect” of the highly dissoluble long‐chain lithium polyselenides (LPSes, Li₂Se_n, 4≤n≤8) in the ether electrolytes and the sluggish one‐step solid‐solid conversion between Se and Li₂Se in the carbonate electrolytes, a large amount of porous carbon (>40 wt % in the electrode) is always needed for the Se cathodes, which seriously counteracts the advantage of Se electrodes in terms of volumetric capacity. Herein an acetonitrile‐based electrolyte is introduced for the Li‐Se system, and a two‐plateau conversion mechanism is proposed. This new Li‐Se chemistry not only avoids the shuttle effect but also facilitates the conversion between Se and Li₂Se, enabling an efficient Se cathode with high Se utilization (97 %) and enhanced Coulombic efficiency. Moreover, with such a designed electrolyte, a highly compact Se electrode (2.35 g_Se cm^?3) with a record‐breaking Se content (80 wt %) and high Se loading (8 mg cm^?2) is demonstrated to have a superhigh volumetric energy density of up to 2502 Wh L^?1, surpassing that of LiCoO₂.     

LiCoO<Subscript>2</Subscript> electrode/electrolyte interface of Li-ion batteries investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

The storage behavior and the first delithiation of LiCoO₂ electrode in 1 mol/L LiPF₆-EC:DMC:DEC electrolyte were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). It has found that, along with the increase of storage time, the thickness of SEI film increases, and some organic carbonate lithium compounds are formed due to spontaneous reactions occurring between the LiCoO₂ electrode and the electrolyte. When electrode potential is changed from 3.8 to 3.95 V, the reversible breakdown of the resistive SEI film occurs, which is attributed to the reversible dissolution of the SEI film component. With the increase of electrode potential, the thickness of SEI film increases rapidly above 4.2 V, due to overcharge reactions. The inductive loop observed in impedance spectra of the LiCoO₂ electrode in Li/LiCoO₂ cells is attributed to the formation of a Li_1−x CoO₂/LiCoO₂ concentration cell. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the lithium-ion insertion-deinsertion in LiCoO₂ hosts can be well described by both Langmuir and Frumkin insertion isotherms, and the symmetry factor of charge transfer has been evaluated at 0.5. Supported by the Special Funds for Major State Basic Research Project of China (Grant No. 2002CB211804)     

五种1-烷基-2,3-二甲基咪唑型离子液体的合成及作为Li/LiFeO_4电池电解液的研究

合成了五种新的1-烷基-2,3-二甲基咪唑二(三氟甲基磺酰)亚胺离子液体(alkyl-DMimTFSI).以离子液体作为Li/LiFeO4电池电解液,分别考察不同烷基(正丁基、正戊基、正辛基、异辛基和正癸基)对电解液理化性质、界面性质和电池行为的影响.结果表明离子液体的电化学窗口都可以达到5.6V(-0.4～5.2Vvs.Li+/Li),显示它们具有较好的电化学稳定性.加入碳酸亚乙烯酯作为添加剂后,离子液体电解液在Li负极形成稳定的固体电解质相界面膜(SEI),从而提高了Li负极的稳定性,保护了Li片不受腐蚀.电化学阻抗和循环伏安分析进一步揭示LiFeO4正极与离子液体电解液也有良好的兼容性.此外,研究还表明离子液体中烷基种类严重影响它们的电池行为.采用butyl-DMimTFSI和amyl-DMimTFSI电解液体系的电池充放电容量和可逆性明显优于另外三种离子液体,它们的首次放电容量分别达到145和152.6mAh/g,并表现出良好的充放电循环性能.因粘度最大,采用isooctyl-DMimTFSI电解液的电池首次放电容量仅为8.3mAh/g,但添加碳酸丙烯酯(质量比1∶1)稀释后首次放电容量上升至132.4mAh/g.     

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.     

High‐Rate Oxygen Reduction in Mixed Nonaqueous Electrolyte Containing Acetonitrile

A mixed nonaqueous electrolyte that contains acetonitrile and propylene carbonate (PC) was found to be suitable for a Li? O₂ battery with a metallic Li anode. Both the concentration and diffusion coefficient for the dissolved O₂ are significantly higher in the mixed electrolyte than those in the pure PC electrolyte. A powder microelectrode was used to investigate the O₂ solubility and diffusion coefficient. A 10 mA cm^?2 discharge rate on a gas‐diffusion electrode is demonstrated by using the mixed electrolyte in a Li? O₂ cell.     

In-situ polymerized carbonate induced by Li-Ga alloy as novel artificial interphase on Li metal anode

Li metal is considered an ideal anode material because of its high theoretical capacity and low electrode potential. However, the practical usage of Li metal as an anode is severely limited because of inevitable parasitic side reactions with electrolyte and dendrites formation. At present, single-component artificial solid electrolyte interphase cannot simultaneously meet the multiple functions of promoting ion conduction, guiding lithium ion deposition, inhibiting dendrite growth, and reducing ...     

In-situ spectroelectrochemical analysis of the passivating surface film formed on a carbon film electrode as a function of the water content in 1 M LiPF6-EC/DEC solution

The in-situ spectroelectrochemical technique has been applied to investigate the role of water in the formation of a passivating surface film on a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) carbon film electrode in 1 M LiPF₆-ethylene carbonate (Li-EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC) solution, combined with cyclic voltammetry. In-situ Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectra of the surface film showed that all the peak intensities of the Li₂CO₃, ROCO₂Li, and LiPF₆ constituents significantly increase with increasing water content under application of the negative potentials with respect to open circuit potential (OCP). It is suggested that the reduction of Li-EC to ROCO₂Li runs via a one-electron transfer pathway with the help of the unrestricted supply of the electron transfer path as a result of diffusion of water through the surface film; then Li₂CO₃ formation proceeds concurrently by the chemical reaction of ROCO₂Li with water. Moreover, the compact sedimentation of ROCO₂Li in the presence of water in the electrolyte is subjected to severe interference of the salt reduction product, Li_xPF_y, than in the absence of water in the electrolyte. These FTIR results coincide well with those of cyclic voltammetry. From the combined results of in-situ FTIR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, it is indicated that, unlike other salt and solvent reaction products, ROCO₂Li, Li₂CO₃ and Li_xPF_y simultaneously increase to constitute the outer layer of the surface film with equal amounts. Received: 24 February 1998 / Accepted: 6 June 1998     

In-situ spectroelectrochemical analysis of the passivating surface film formed on a carbon film electrode as a function of the water content in 1 M LiPF6-EC/DEC solution

The in-situ spectroelectrochemical technique has been applied to investigate the role of water in the formation of a passivating surface film on a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) carbon film electrode in 1 M LiPF₆-ethylene carbonate (Li-EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC) solution, combined with cyclic voltammetry. In-situ Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectra of the surface film showed that all the peak intensities of the Li₂CO₃, ROCO₂Li, and LiPF₆ constituents significantly increase with increasing water content under application of the negative potentials with respect to open circuit potential (OCP). It is suggested that the reduction of Li-EC to ROCO₂Li runs via a one-electron transfer pathway with the help of the unrestricted supply of the electron transfer path as a result of diffusion of water through the surface film; then Li₂CO₃ formation proceeds concurrently by the chemical reaction of ROCO₂Li with water. Moreover, the compact sedimentation of ROCO₂Li in the presence of water in the electrolyte is subjected to severe interference of the salt reduction product, Li_xPF_y, than in the absence of water in the electrolyte. These FTIR results coincide well with those of cyclic voltammetry. From the combined results of in-situ FTIR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, it is indicated that, unlike other salt and solvent reaction products, ROCO₂Li, Li₂CO₃ and Li_xPF_y simultaneously increase to constitute the outer layer of the surface film with equal amounts.     

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).     

Catalytic Disproportionation of the Superoxide Intermediate from Electrochemical O2 Reduction in Nonaqueous Electrolytes

Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (TPFPB) was found to be an efficient catalyst for rapid superoxide (O₂^?) disproportionation. The kinetics for the catalytic disproportionation reaction is much faster than the reaction between O₂^? and propylene carbonate. Therefore, the negative impact of the reaction between the electrolyte and O₂^? produced by the O₂ reduction is minimized. The cathodic current for O₂ reduction can be doubled in the presence of TPFPB. The high reduction current resulted from the pseudo two‐electron O₂‐reduction reaction due to the replenishment of O₂ at the electrode surface. This discovery could lead to a new avenue for the development of high‐capacity, high‐rate, rechargeable Li–air batteries.     

Lithium passivation by polymer-containing electrolytes based on organic silicon derivatives of poly-2-methyl-5-vinylpyridinium halides

Electrochemical properties of Li//Li, Li/MnO₂, and Li/FeS₂ systems with liquid polymer-containing electrolytes based on solutions of N-siloxane organic, N-silacrown ether derivatives of poly-2-methyl-5-vinylpyridinium halides, and LiC10₄ in propylene carbonate are studied by the impedance technique. The chemical nature of functional groups in side chains of the polymer, the number of ionogenic groups in its elementary unit, and the polymer synthesis history influence impedance parameters of systems. Such an influence is due to the polymer interaction with the lithium electrode. In a system with a strongly oxidative cathode, the overall resistance decreases, the capacitance increases, and components of the electrolyte presumably interact with the cathode. Products of such an interaction alter parameters of the passivating film on the lithium surface, which may act as a solid electrolyte in a battery without an additional separator.     

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of mesoporous Al-stabilized TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> (anatase) in aprotic medium

High-frequency electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to investigate the mesoporous film of Al-stabilized TiO₂ on F-doped SnO₂ support in 1 M Li(CF₃SO₂)₂N in ethylene carbonate/dimethoxyethane (1:1 v/v). Kinetic parameters, viz. charge transfer resistance and chemical diffusion coefficient, were determined. Charge transfer resistance increased with time of contact of electrode in the above aprotic electrolyte solution. The increase followed exponential dependence, whereas the double layer capacitance, simultaneously, decreased exponentially with time. These effects were discussed in terms of the solid–electrolyte interface, which undergoes chemical changes upon contact with the electrolyte solution. Adel Attia is currently on leave from the Department of Physical Chemistry, National Research Center, El-Tahrir St., Dokki 12622, Cairo, Egypt.     

Enhancing Capacity Performance by Utilizing the Redox Chemistry of the Electrolyte in a Dual‐Electrolyte Sodium‐Ion Battery

A strategy is described to increase charge storage in a dual electrolyte Na‐ion battery (DESIB) by combining the redox chemistry of the electrolyte with a Na⁺ ion de‐insertion/insertion cathode. Conventional electrolytes do not contribute to charge storage in battery systems, but redox‐active electrolytes augment this property via charge transfer reactions at the electrode–electrolyte interface. The capacity of the cathode combined with that provided by the electrolyte redox reaction thus increases overall charge storage. An aqueous sodium hexacyanoferrate (Na₄Fe(CN)₆) solution is employed as the redox‐active electrolyte (Na‐FC) and sodium nickel Prussian blue (Na_x‐NiBP) as the Na⁺ ion insertion/de‐insertion cathode. The capacity of DESIB with Na‐FC electrolyte is twice that of a battery using a conventional (Na₂SO₄) electrolyte. The use of redox‐active electrolytes in batteries of any kind is an efficient and scalable approach to develop advanced high‐energy‐density storage systems.     

Vinylene carbonate–LiNO3: A hybrid additive in carbonic ester electrolytes for SEI modification on Li metal anode

A hybrid solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation additive, vinylene carbonate (VC)–LiNO₃, was investigated in carbonic ester electrolytes. An efficiency of lithium plating/stripping as high as nearly 100% and spherical Li deposits were obtained. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results demonstrate that the modified SEI is very stable and of good conductivity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicate that VC–LiNO₃ dominates the surface chemistry of the Li anode. The formation of Li₃N in the SEI contributes to the enhancement of the anode performance.     

Bi-affinity Electrolyte Optimizing High-Voltage Lithium-Rich Manganese Oxide Battery via Interface Modulation Strategy

The practical implementation of high-voltage lithium-rich manganese oxide (LRMO) cathode is limited by the unanticipated electrolyte decomposition and dissolution of transition metal ions. The present study proposes a bi-affinity electrolyte formulation, wherein the sulfonyl group of ethyl vinyl sulfone (EVS) imparts a highly adsorptive nature to LRMO, while fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) exhibits a reductive nature towards Li metal. This interface modulation strategy involves the synergistic use of EVS and FEC as additives to form robust interphase layers on the electrode. As-formed S-endorsed but LiF-assisted configuration cathode electrolyte interphase with a more dominant −SO₂− component may promote the interface transport kinetics and prevent the dissolution of transition metal ions. Furthermore, the incorporation of S component into the solid electrolyte interphase and the reduction of its poorly conducting component can effectively inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites. Therefore, a 4.8 V LRMO/Li cell with optimized electrolyte may demonstrate a remarkable retention capacity of 97 % even after undergoing 300 cycles at 1 C.     

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.