PNNL

Abstract

The conventional carbonate-based electrolytes have been widely used in graphite-based lithium (Li) ion batteries (LIBs) for many years due to the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on graphite surface. However, most of these electrolytes are not stable at more stringent conditions relative to Li metal anode (LMA) and other electrodes (such as silicon (Si)) which exhibits a large volume changes during charge/discharge processes. Many different approaches have been developed in recent years to stabilize LMBs and Si-based LIBs. In this aspect, localized high concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) have their unique advantages that not only be stable at a wide electrochemical window, but also can form a stable SEI layer on LMA and Si anode surface to enable their long term cyclability. The ultrathin SEI layer formed on graphite anode can also improve the safety and high rate operation of the conventional LIBs. In this paper, we will give a brief summary of our recent work on LHCEs, including its design principle, applications for both LMBs and LIBs. A perspective on the future development of LHCEs will also be discussed.