Fluorinated Carbamate-Based Electrolyte Enables Anion-Dominated Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Highly Reversible Li...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Lithium metal anodes offer high energy density but suffer from dendrite growth due to poor solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation.
• Instability at the electrolyte/anode interface hinders the industrialization of lithium metal batteries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a novel electrolyte that promotes the formation of a stable, inorganic-rich SEI.
• To enhance the electrochemical and mechanical stability of lithium metal anodes.

Main Methods:

• Development of a fluorinated carbamate-based electrolyte containing LiNO3.
• Investigation of anion decomposition pathways to control SEI composition.
• Electrochemical testing of Li|Li symmetric cells and full batteries (Li|NCM811, Cu|LiFePO4).

Main Results:

• Achieved a homogeneous, inorganic (LiF, Li3N, Li2O)-rich SEI.
• Demonstrated high Coulombic efficiency (99%) for the Li metal anode.
• Exhibited stable cycling (>1000 h in symmetric cells, >100 cycles in full cells).

Conclusions:

• The rationally designed electrolyte effectively suppresses dendrite growth and improves interfacial stability.
• This electrolyte is a promising candidate for highly reversible and high-performance lithium metal batteries.