Intrinsic Nonflammable Ether Electrolytes for Ultrahigh-Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries Enabled by Chlorine...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Ether-based electrolytes are crucial for high-voltage lithium metal batteries but suffer from poor anodic stability and flammability.
• These limitations restrict their practical application in advanced energy storage devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel ether-based electrolyte with enhanced stability and safety for high-voltage lithium metal batteries.
• To address the challenges of low anodic stability and flammability in conventional ether electrolytes.

Main Methods:

• Design and synthesis of a chloroether-based electrolyte.
• Electrochemical performance evaluation using Ni-rich cathodes at ultrahigh voltages (4.6-4.7 V).
• Analysis of interphase composition (LiF, LiCl) and safety characteristics.

Main Results:

• The chloroether electrolyte achieved 99.2% Li Coulombic efficiency and >88% capacity retention over 200 cycles.
• Demonstrated excellent electrochemical stability for Ni-rich cathodes at ultrahigh voltages.
• Exhibited intrinsic nonflammable properties due to chlorine functional groups.

Conclusions:

• The chloroether electrolyte effectively overcomes the limitations of traditional ether electrolytes.
• This offers a promising pathway for developing high energy density, long-life, and safe lithium metal batteries.
• The findings pave the way for safer and more robust next-generation battery technologies.