Non-flammable liquid electrolytes for safe batteries

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Increasing energy density in alkali metal-ion batteries (Li+, Na+, K+) necessitates enhanced safety measures.
• Flammable electrolytes pose fire risks due to exothermic reactions under abusive conditions.
• Non-flammable electrolytes are critical for developing safer rechargeable batteries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current advancements in non-flammable liquid electrolytes for Li-, Na-, and K-ion batteries.
• To provide an overview of various non-flammable electrolyte types and their components.
• To discuss the impact of non-flammable electrolytes on battery safety and performance.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of state-of-the-art non-flammable liquid electrolytes.
• Categorization of electrolytes including carbonate, ether, phosphate-based, ionic liquids, and inorganic types.
• Analysis of electrolyte component functionality and their role in non-flammable mixtures.

Main Results:

• Non-flammable organic liquid electrolytes demonstrate potential for safer battery operation.
• Various non-flammable electrolyte formulations (e.g., co-solvents, additives, concentrated electrolytes) are discussed.
• Many non-flammable electrolytes exhibit improved cycling stability and rate capability compared to conventional flammable ones.

Conclusions:

• Non-flammable liquid electrolytes are a promising strategy for enhancing the safety of alkali metal-ion batteries.
• These electrolytes can be designed with minimal compromise on, and sometimes with improvements to, battery cycling performance.
• Further research into non-flammable electrolytes is vital for the safe advancement of high-energy-density batteries.