A novel gel electrolyte with lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate salt and Sb2O3 nanoparticles for lithium ion batteries

A new type of lithium difluoro(oxalate)borate salt was synthesized by solid state reaction method and has been incorporated into polyvinyledenefluoride–hexafluoropropylene (PVdF–HFP) skeleton. Ethylene carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC) mixture was used as plasticizing agent. Sb₂O₃ nanoparticle was used as the filler in the polymer host to prepare the nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPE) for lithium ion batteries by solution casting technique. All the membranes were subjected to a.c. impedance, mechanical stability and morphological analysis. Among them 5 wt% Sb₂O₃ having NCPE exhibited enhanced conductivity of 0.298 mS cm⁻¹ at ambient temperature and Young's modulus increased from 1.32 to 2.31 MPa after the addition of Sb₂O_3. The conductivity enhancement is explained in terms of Vogel–Tamman–Fulcher (VTF) theory.     

Plasticized microporous poly(vinylidene fluoride) separators for lithium‐ion batteries. I. Swelling behavior of dense membranes with respect to a liquid electrolyte—Characterization of the swelling equilibrium

Some poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) microporous separators for lithium‐ion batteries, used in liquid organic electrolytes based on a mixture of carbonate solvents and lithium salt LiPF₆, were characterized by the study of the swelling phenomena on dense PVdF membranes. We were interested in the evolution of the swelling ratios with respect to different parameters, such as the temperature, swelling solution composition, and salt concentration. To understand PVdF behavior in microporous membranes and, therefore, to have a means of predicting its behavior with different solvent mixtures, we correlated the swelling ratios in pure solvents and in solvent mixtures to the solvent–polymer interaction parameters and solvent–solvent interaction parameters. We attempted a parametric identification of swelling curves with a very simple Flory–Huggins model with relative success. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 532–543, 2004     

Characterization of poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) electrolytes complexed with different lithium salts

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) gel electrolytes comprising a combination of plasticizers, ethylene carbonate (EC) and propylene carbonate (PC) and lithium salt LiX have been prepared using the solution casting technique in an argon atmosphere. The prepared electrolytes were subjected to ionic conductivity, compatibility with lithium metal anode and thermogravimetric (TG)/differential thermal analysis (DTA). The membranes, which possess lithium salt, LiBF₄ exhibited maximum conductivity and on contrary it undergoes severe passivation with lithium metal. All these membranes are found to be stable thermally about 70 °C.     

Polyvinylidenefluoride-hexafluoropropylene based nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPE) complexed with LiPF3(CF3CF2)3

Merck KGaA, Germany recently tested a new electrolyte salt LiPF₃(CF₃CF₂)₃ (lithium fluoroalkyl phosphate (LiFAP)) for lithium ion power packs and suggested that it can be replaced with commercially used LiPF₆. LiFAP, for the first of its kind, was incorporated into polyvinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVdF-HFP) matrix with ethylene carbonate and diethyl carbonate mixtures as plasticizing agents and SiO₂ nanoparticles as filler. Nanocomposite polymer electrolyte (NCPE) membranes were prepared by solvent casting technique. All NCPE membranes were subjected to a.c. impedance, fluorescence and morphological studies. NCPE membranes containing 2.5 wt% of SiO₂ exhibited enhanced conductivity of 1.13 mS cm⁻¹ at ambient temperature. Molecular motion in the polymeric media was supported by fluorescence studies. The percentage of crystallinity and activation energy has also been calculated.     

Plasticized microporous poly(vinylidene fluoride) separators for lithium‐ion batteries. II. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) dense membrane swelling behavior in a liquid electrolyte—characterization of the swelling kinetics

Some microporous poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) separators for lithium‐ion batteries, used in liquid organic electrolytes based on a mixture of carbonate solvents and lithium salt LiPF₆, were characterized by the study of the swelling phenomena on dense PVdF membranes. Various aspects of the kinetics of the carbonate solvents and the solvent mixture sorption in dense PVdF slabs were studied at different temperatures. Non‐Fickian behavior, characterized by S‐shaped sorption curves, was highlighted, and a salt effect, which resulted in two‐stage sorption, was studied. Diffusion coefficients and activation energies were calculated for the Fickian portions of the sorption curves, that is, at short times and low swelling ratios. A strong influence of the different interaction parameters was shown for the swelling kinetics. This study proved that the swelling of microporous PVdF membranes could be considered instantaneous. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 544–552, 2004     

Fabrication and characterization of SiO2/PVDF composite nanofiber‐coated PP nonwoven separators for lithium‐ion batteries

SiO₂/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite nanofiber‐coated polypropylene (PP) nonwoven membranes were prepared by electrospinning of SiO₂/PVDF dispersions onto both sides of PP nonwovens. The goal of this study was to combine the good mechanical strength of PP nonwoven with the excellent electrochemical properties of SiO₂/PVDF composite nanofibers to obtain a new high‐performance separator. It was found that the addition of SiO₂ nanoparticles played an important role in improving the overall performance of these nanofiber‐coated nonwoven membranes. Among the membranes with various SiO₂ contents, 15% SiO₂/PVDF composite nanofiber‐coated PP nonwoven membranes provided the highest ionic conductivity of 2.6 × 10^?3 S cm^?1 after being immersed in a liquid electrolyte, 1 mol L^?1 lithium hexafluorophosphate in ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate. Compared with pure PVDF nanofiber‐coated PP nonwoven membranes, SiO₂/PVDF composite fiber‐coated PP nonwoven membranes had greater liquid electrolyte uptake, higher electrochemical oxidation limit, and lower interfacial resistance with lithium. SiO₂/PVDF composite fiber‐coated PP nonwoven membrane separators were assembled into lithium/lithium iron phosphate cells and demonstrated high cell capacities and good cycling performance at room temperature. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013 , 51, 1719–1726     

Polymer electrolyte membranes by in situ polymerization of poly(ethylene carbonate‐co‐ethylene oxide) macromonomers in blends with poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene)

Salt‐containing membranes based on polymethacrylates having poly(ethylene carbonate‐co‐ethylene oxide) side chains, as well as their blends with poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP), have been studied. Self‐supportive ion conductive membranes were prepared by casting films of methacrylate functional poly(ethylene carbonate‐co‐ethylene oxide) macromonomers containing lithium bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) salt, followed by irradiation with UV‐light to polymerize the methacrylate units in situ. Homogenous electrolyte membranes based on the polymerized macromonomers showed a conductivity of 6.3 × 10^?6 S cm^?1 at 20 °C. The preparation of polymer blends, by the addition of PVDF‐HFP to the electrolytes, was found to greatly improve the mechanical properties. However, the addition led to an increase of the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the ion conductive phase by ～5 °C. The conductivity of the blend membranes was thus lower in relation to the corresponding homogeneous polymer electrolytes, and 2.5 × 10^?6 S cm^?1 was recorded for a membrane containing 10 wt % PVDF‐HFP at 20 °C. Increasing the salt concentration in the blend membranes was found to increase the T_g of the ion conductive component and decrease the propensity for the crystallization of the PVDF‐HFP component. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 79–90, 2007     

Photoelectrochemical processes on metal electrodes in nonaqueous solutions of lithium salts

The photoelectrochemical performance of lithium in a propylene carbonate solution of LiClO₄ and in a mixture of propylene carbonate with dimethoxyethane, as well as in a LiAlCl₄ solution in thionyl chloride, has been investigated. It has been established that when illuminating the electrodes under study, electronic photoemission takes place from the metal into a passivating film permanently existing on the lithium surface. The measurements were in part carried out with the Li electrode coated specially with a Li₂O or Li₂CO₃ protecting film. Photoemission spectroscopy has been used as a tool for exploring the processes of both formation and change in the composition and properties of the passivating layers on the lithium electrodes. The results for the photoelectrochemistry of lithium have been compared with the analogous data obtained with electrodes made of gold and SnCd alloy in a propylene carbonate solution of LiClO₄. In the two last cases, electronic photoemission from the metal into solution has been revealed. Received: 22 February 1999 / Accepted: 27 January 2000     

Empirical formula for the concentration dependence of the conductivity of organic electrolytes for lithium power sources in the vicinity of a maximum

To optimize the compositions of liquid organic electrolytes for lithium power sources, it is useful to have the dependence of the conductivity on the lithium salt concentration in a convenient analytical form. An empirical formula was suggested on the basis of the modified Kohlrausch equation for the concentration dependence of the conductivity of organic electrolytes in the vicinity of a maximum. The accuracy of this equation was checked on solutions of LiBF₄ in propylene carbonate; LiClO₄ in ethylene carbonate; and LiPF₆ in ethylene carbonate/diethyl carbonate (1: 1), ethylene carbonate/ethylmethyl carbonate (1: 1), and ethylene carbonate/methyl acetate (1: 1) at different temperatures. The calculated data are in good agreement with experiment for all the systems. The new empirical formula allows the determination of the maximum conductivity of organic electrolytes based on a few points with good accuracy, which is very important in choosing the electrolyte salt concentration in practice.     

Investigation of the gas evolution in lithium ion batteries: effect of free lithium compounds in cathode materials

The evolution of gas in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) was investigated. The large amount of gas emission related to a charged cathode has been a critical issue because it causes deformation and performance degradation of LIBs. This study examined the effect of free lithium compounds such as Li₂CO₃ or LiOH on gas generation, which revealed several different features comparing with gas generation related to the cathode active materials themselves: CO₂ was the main gas generated, chain-structured carbonate solvents such as dimethyl carbonate or ethyl methyl carbonate generated more gas than cyclic-structured ethylene carbonate, and the gas generation did not occur without LiPF₆ in the electrolyte solution. These were found to be the main reason for the different gas-generating behaviors between LiCoO₂ (LCO) and LiNi_0.85Co_0.12Al_0.03O₂ (NCA) cathodes. For LCO, which has a very small amount of free lithium compounds on the surface, the gas was generated mainly by a reaction between delithiated LCO itself and the electrolyte solution, whereas a considerable amount of gas was generated by surface free lithium for NCA. Therefore, the removal of free lithium compounds is essential, particularly for NCA, to prevent the swelling of LIBs.     

Structural Properties and Thermal Behavior of Li2CO3–BaCO3 System by DTA,TG and XRD Measurements

The binary system Li₂CO₃–BaCO₃ was studied by means of differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry (TG) and X-ray phase analysis. The composition of carbonate and CO₂ partial pressure influence on the thermal behavior of carbonate were examined. It was shown that lithium carbonate does not form the substitutional solid solution with barium carbonate, however the possible formation of diluted interstitial solid solutions is discussed. Above the melting temperature the mass loss is observed on TG curves. This loss is the result of both decomposition of lithium carbonate and evaporation of lithium in Li₂CO₃–BaCO₃ system. Increase of CO₂ concentration in surrounding gas atmosphere leads to slower decomposition of lithium carbonate and to increase the melting point. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Physical and electrolytic properties of difluorinated dimethyl carbonate

The physical and electrolytic properties of difluorinated dimethyl carbonate (DFDMC) synthesized using F₂ gas (direct fluorination) were examined. The dielectric constant and viscosity of DFDMC are higher than those of monofluorinated dimethyl carbonate (MFDMC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC). The oxidative decomposition voltage of DFDMC is higher than those of DMC and MFDMC. The specific conductivity in DFDMC solution is considerably lower than those in MFDMC and DMC solutions. The ethylene carbonate (EC)-DFDMC equimolar binary solution containing 1 mol dm⁻³ LiPF₆ shows a moderate conductivity of 6.91 mS cm⁻¹ at 25 °C. The lithium electrode cycling efficiency (charge-discharge coulombic cycling efficiency of lithium electrode) in EC-DFDMC equimolar binary solution containing 1 mol dm⁻³ LiPF₆ is higher than 80%. The EC-DFDMC solution is a good electrolyte for rechargeable lithium batteries.     

Effect of adding ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate on the coordination environment of Li<Superscript>+</Superscript> ions in propylene carbonate,according to data from IR spectroscopy and quantum chemical modeling

The effect ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate has on the coordination environment of Li⁺ cations in carbonate solvents is studied by means of IR spectroscopy and quantum chemical modeling using the example of propylene carbonate (PC). LiBF₄ is used as the lithium salt. This system is promising for use as an electrolyte in lithium power sources (LPSs), but the mechanism of ionic conductivity by Li⁺ ions in such systems has yet to be studied in full.     

Separation performance of polyimide composite membrane prepared by dip coating process

The effects of the preparation conditions in a dip coating process on polyimide composite membranes have been investigated. Polyimide precursor obtained from pyromellitic dianhidride (PMDA) and 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA) was mixed with triethylamine and poly(amic acid)tri-ethylamine salt (PAA salt) was made. An asymmetric polyimide membrane (PI-2080) as a supporting membrane was dipped in a PAA salt (concentration 0–5 wt.%) methanol solution. The coating layers of PAA salt were converted to these of polyimide by annealing at 200°C for 3 h in an ordinary vacuum oven.The performance of the polyimide composite membrane was evaluated by gas permeation (N₂, O₂, CO₂, at 1 kg/cm²) and pervaporation (feed: a 95 vol.% ethanol aqueous solution at 30–60°C). The composite membranes prepared using a coating solution of 5 wt.% PAA salt showed the CO₂/N₂ selectivity of over 25 on gas permeation, and separation factor α (H₂O/EtOH) of over 800 with a total flux of 0.21 kg/m² h on pervaporation.     

Influence of Humidity on the Complex Structure of PEO-Lithium Salt Polymer Electrolyte

Solid polymer electrolytes of PEO/LiClO₄ and PEO/LiTFSI solution casting films were prepared with the EO/Li molar ratio of 3: 1, and the effect of relative humidity (RH) on their complex structures were characterized. It is shown that the complex structures were barely changed at RH ≤ 10% while severe differences were shown at RH ≥ 20%. The reason was attributed to the interactions of water with lithium salt, and the formation of PEO–Li⁺–H₂O decreased the interactions between PEO and lithium ions. Furthermore, it was shown that the hydrated samples after heat treatment were still strikingly different in characters from their anhydrous precursors, and the type of lithium salt affected the final structures. It was found that the structure of (PEO)₃LiClO₄ (30% RH) was hardly changed after heating; however, an irreversible compositional transition was discovered in (PEO)₃LiTFSI (30% RH) in which case (PEO)₂LiTFSI was formed.     

A green strategy for lithium isotopes separation by using mesoporous silica materials doped with ionic liquids and benzo-15-crown-5

Three new mesoporous silica materials IL15SGs (HF15SG, TF15SG and DF15SG) doped with benzo-15-crown-5 and imidazolium based ionic liquids (C₈mim⁺PF₆ ^?, C₈mim⁺BF₄ ^? or C₈mim⁺NTf ₂ ^? ) have been prepared by a simple approach to separating lithium isotopes. The formed mesoporous structures of silica gels have been confirmed by transmission electron microscopy image and N₂ gas adsorption–desorption isotherm. Imidazolium ionic liquids acted as templates to prepare mesoporous materials, additives to stabilize extractant within silica gel, and synergetic agents to separate the lithium isotopes. Factors such as lithium salt concentration, initial pH, counter anion of lithium salt, extraction time, and temperature on the lithium isotopes separation were examined. Under optimized conditions, the extraction efficiency of HF15SG, TF15SG and DF15SG were found to be 11.43, 10.59 and 13.07 %, respectively. The heavier isotope ⁷Li was concentrated in the solution phase while the lighter isotope ⁶Li was enriched in the gel phase. The solid–liquid extraction maximum single-stage isotopes separation factor of ⁶Li–⁷Li in the solid–liquid extraction was up to 1.046 ± 0.002. X-ray crystal structure analysis indicated that the lithium salt was extracted into the solid phase with crown ether forming [(Li_0.5)₂(B15)₂(H₂O)]⁺ complexes. IL15SGs were also easily regenerated by stripping with 20 mmol L^?1 HCl and reused in the consecutive removal of lithium ion in five cycles.     

Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) based composite electrolytes for lithium batteries

The composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) membranes, comprising of poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP), aluminum oxyhydroxide, (AlO[OH]_n) of two different particle sizes 7 μm/14 nm and LiN(CF₃SO₂)₂ as lithium salt were prepared using solution casting technique. The prepared membranes were subjected to XRD, impedance spectroscopy, compatibility and transport number studies. The incorporation of nanofiller greatly enhanced the ionic conductivity and the compatibility of the composite polymer electrolyte. Also LiCr_0.01Mn_1.99O₄/CPE/Li cells were assembled and their charge-discharge profiles have been made at 70 °C. The film which possesses nanosized filler offered better electrochemical properties than those with micron sized filler. The results are discussed based on Lewis acid-base theory.     

Cycling Performance at Li<Subscript>7</Subscript>La<Subscript>3</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript>|Li Interface

Cyclability of the Li|Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ interface was tested by voltammetry under externally applied potential difference. It was found that the solid electrolyte synthesized in the study contains a minor amount of an impurity in the form of lithium carbonate. This impurity forms, when brought in contact with metallic lithium, carbon that pierces the whole volume of the ceramic separator and produces a channel for a flow of electrons through the material, which leads to a poor cyclability of the solid electrolyte. A possible way to solve the given problem is via a purposeful replacement of the carbonate in the intergrain space of Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ with another crystalline or glassy plasticizer that possesses an acceptable unipolar lithium conductivity (no less than 10^–6 S cm^–1) and forms, when brought in contact with metallic lithium, no electrically conducting compound or a compound capable of reversibly intercalating/deintercalating lithium.     

Solubilization of SEI lithium salts in alkylcarbonate solvents

The SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interphase) at the surface of electrodes in lithium-ion batteries is composed of various lithium compounds, organic or mineral, which have a direct impact on cycling performance. The main lithium species constituting the SEI and selected in this study are lithium fluoride LiF, lithium carbonate Li₂CO₃, lithium hydroxide LiOH, lithium oxide Li₂O, lithium methoxide LiOCH₃ and lithium ethoxide LiOC₂H₅. Their solubilities were determined in ethylene, propylene, dimethyl, diethyl and vinylene carbonates (EC, PC, DMC, DEC and VC) and in one of their mixtures commonly used in lithium-ion batteries (EC/PC/3DMC) by mean of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). These solutions were also investigated by EIS (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) and conductimetry measurements. Results show that while solubilization properties differ between LiF and other lithium compounds considered, their association pattern in solution is identical and solutions are mainly constituted of quadrupolar aggregates.     

On the use of LiPF3(CF2CF3)3 (LiFAP) solutions for Li-ion batteries. Electrochemical and thermal studies

Electrolyte solutions comprising a mixture of LiPF₆ and LiPF₃(CF₂CF₃)₃ (LiFAP) in alkyl carbonates (ethylene, dimethyl and diethyl carbonate) were found to be superior to single salt LiFAP or LiPF₆ solutions for lithium–graphite anodes at elevated temperatures. Graphite electrodes could be cycled (Li insertion–deinsertion) more than hundred times at 80 °C with high and stable capacity in the two-salt solutions, while in the single-salt solutions this was impossible. Preliminary studies by voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy indicate that the combination of the two salts in solution has a unique influence on the electrodes surface (not yet defined). Thermal studies by accelerating rate and differential scanning calorimetry show that thermal decomposition of LiFAP solutions has a higher onset, but very high heat and pressure developing rates, compared to LiPF₆ solutions. The presence of LiPF₆ in LiFAP solutions decreased their self-heating and pressure-developing rates pronouncedly. From product analysis of the thermal reactions by NMR, FTIR and MS, we can suggest possible unique bulk reactions that occur in LiPF₆–LiFAP solutions. One of these is a nucleophilic reaction between F⁻ and PF₃(CF₂CF₃)₃⁻, which may neutralize the effect of trace HF in solutions (thus forming new P–F bonds and HCF₂CF₃). Such a reaction should have a positive effect on both the performance of the Li–graphite electrodes and the thermal behavior of the solutions.