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.     

Physicochemical and electrochemical properties of sulfolane solutions of lithium salts

The physicochemical and electrochemical properties (electrical conductivity, viscosity, density, and electrochemical stability) of sulfolane solutions of various lithium salts are studied. The nature of the anion considerably affects the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the electrolyte systems considered. Sulfolane solutions of lithium salts have moderate electrical conductivity and high electrochemical stability, and can be used as electrolytes in lithium batteries.     

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.     

锂离子电池有机电解液材料研究进展

综述了锂离子电池有机电解液材料的研究现状。锂离子电池有机电解液主要由电解质锂盐、有机溶剂和添加剂三个部分组成,新型电解质锂盐的研究开发可分为三个方面：（1）LiTFSI及其类似物;（2）络合硼酸锂化合物;（3）络合磷酸锂化合物。有机溶剂的研究工作主要集中在新型有机溶剂的开发上。最重要的添加剂主要有三类：（1）主要用以改善碳负极SEI膜性能的添加剂;（2）过充电保护添加剂;（3）配体添加剂。     

Spatiotemporal Changes of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase in Lithium‐Ion Batteries Detected by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in lithium‐ion batteries separates the highly reductive lithiated graphite from reducible electrolyte components. It is critical for the performance, durability, and safe operation of batteries. In situ imaging of the SEI is demonstrated using the feedback mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) with 2,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐1,4‐dimethoxy benzene as mediator. The formation of the SEI is indicated by a decrease of the mediator regeneration rate. Prolonged imaging of the same region revealed fluctuation of the passivating properties on time scales between 2 min and 20 h with an inhomogeneous distribution over the sample. The implications of the approach for in situ assessment of local SEI properties on graphite electrodes are discussed with respect to studying the influence of mechanical stress on SEI reliability and the mode of action of electrolyte additives aiming at improving SEI properties.     

Constructing Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Aqueous Zinc Batteries

Problems of zinc anode including dendrite and hydrogen evolution seriously degrade the performance of zinc batteries. Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), which plays a key role in achieving high reversibility of lithium anode in aprotic organic solvent, is also beneficial to performance improvement of zinc anode in aqueous electrolyte. However, various studies about interphase for zinc electrode is quite fragmented, and lack of deep understanding on root causes or general design rules for SEI construction. And water molecules with high reactivity brings serious challenge to the effective SEI construction. Here, we reviewed the brief development history of zinc batteries firstly, then summarized the approaches to construct SEI in aqueous electrolyte. Furthermore, the formation mechanisms behind approaches are systematically analyzed, together with discussion on the SEI components and evaluation on electrochemical performance of zinc anode with various types of SEI. Meanwhile, the challenge between lab and industrialization are also discussed.     

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.     

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.     

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。     

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.     

Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interphase Acting as “Armor” to Protect the Anode Materials for High-performance Lithium-ion Battery

The electrochemical performances of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) are closely related to the interphase between the electrode materials and electrolytes. However, the development of lithium-ion batteries is hampered by the formation of uncontrollable solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) and subsequent potential safety issues associated with dendritic formation and cell short-circuits during cycling. Fabricating artificial SEI layer can be one promising approach to solve the above issues. This review summarizes the principles and methods of fabricating artificial SEI for three types of main anodes:deposition-type(e.g., Li), intercalation-type(e.g., graphite) and alloy-type(e.g., Si, Al). The review elucidates recent progress and discusses possible methods for constructing stable artificial SEIs composed of salts, polymers, oxides, and nanomaterials that simultaneously passivate anode against side reactions with electrolytes and regulate Li⁺ ions transport at interfaces. Moreover, the reaction mechanism of artificial SEIs was briefly analyzed, and the research prospect was also discussed.     

金属锂二次电池研究进展

本文综述了近年来金属锂二次电池的研究进展,主要包括金属锂负极的表面改性、SEI膜的形成和调制、电解质体系的改进及研发,以及电池制备工艺等,并在综述各方面进展的基础上对金属锂二次电池未来的研究方向进行了展望。     

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.     

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.     

单离子导体聚合硼酸锂盐的研究进展

目前商业化锂离子电池常用的锂盐LiPF6,对水极其敏感,热稳定性差,尤其是在高温条件下的应用存在着一定的安全隐患.种类多且环境友好的新型有机硼酸锂盐越来越受到人们的重视.本文综述了近年来几种锂盐的合成方法,电化学性能,各自存在的优点和不足以及本课题组在聚合硼酸锂盐方向取得的系列研究进展,并对锂盐和聚合物电解质的发展方向进行了展望.     

The recent advances in constructing designed electrode in lithium metal batteries

In this review, we focus on the design of lithium electrode and its recent advancements, which suppress the growth of lithium dendrites and improve the performance of the rechargeable batteries. To suppress the growth of lithium dendrites, the general design rules of the system require a uniform lithium ion flux, a low current density, a homogeneous nucleation process and a stable SEI layer. Improvements of the battery performance have been achieved through the delicate design of lithium electrode and here they are summarized into three groups:i) optimizing the 3D porous nanostructure of the current collector, ii) constructing rational host for lithium metal and prelithiating the 3D host matrix with molten lithium, iii) protecting the surface of lithium metal by functional layers. An outlook of the challenges and the potentials of lithium metal battery is also provided, which will facilitate the future development of lithium metal battery.     

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.     

Challenges and Development of Composite Solid Electrolytes for All-solid-state Lithium Batteries

All-solid-state lithium batteries are considered to be a new battery system with great development potential and application prospects due to the advantages of high energy density and high security.As a key component of all-solid-state lithium batteries,the development of solid-state electrolytes has received extensive attention in recent years,but most solid electrolytes still exhibit problems,such as low ion conductivity and poor interface compatibility.The design of composite solid-state electrolyte materials with both excellent electrochemical and mechanical properties is an effective way to develop all-solid-state lithium batteries.This review introduces different types of pure component solid electrolytes and analyzes their respective advantages and characteristics firstly.Furthermore,the research progress of composite electrolytes in preparation method,ionic conduction,suppression of lithium dendrites,and the improvement of electrochemical performances are reviewed from the perspective of composite electrolyte structure design,which is to meet different performance requirements.And the future development direction and trend of composite electrolytes are prospected.     

An odyssey of lithium metal anode in liquid lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries exhibit outstanding energy density and material sustainability. Enormous effects have been devoted to the sulfur cathode to address redox kinetics and polysulfide intermediates shuttle. Recent attentions are gradually turning to the protection of the lithium metal anodes, since electrochemical performances of Li–S batteries are closely linked to the working efficiency of the anode side, especially in pouch cells that adopt stringent test protocols. This Perspective article summarizes critical issues encountered in the lithium metal anode, and outlines possible solutions to achieve efficient working lithium anode in Li–S batteries. The lithium metal anode in Li–S batteries shares the common failure mechanisms of volume fluctuation, nonuniform lithium flux, electrolyte corrosion and lithium pulverization occurring in lithium metal batteries with oxide cathodes, and also experiences unique polysulfide corrosion and massive lithium accumulation. These issues can be partially addressed by developing three-dimensional scaffold, exerting quasi-solid reaction, tailoring native solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and designing artificial SEI. The practical evaluation of Li–S batteries highlights the importance of pouch cell platform, which is distinguished from coin-type cells in terms of lean electrolyte-to-sulfur ratio, thin lithium foil, as well as sizable total capacity and current that are loaded on pouch cells. This Perspective underlines the development of practically efficient working lithium metal anode in Li–S batteries.     

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.