Electrolyte Engineering Empowers Li||CF_x Batteries to Achieve High Energy Density and Low Self-Discharge at Harsh...

Given its exceptional theoretical energy density (over 2000 Wh kg^-1), lithium||carbon fluoride (Li||CF_x) battery has garnered global attention. N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP)-based electrolyte is regarded as one promising candidate for tremendously enhancing the energy density of Li||CF_x battery, provided self-discharge challenges can be resolved. This study successfully achieves a low self-discharge (LSD) and desirable electrochemical performance in Li||CF_x batteries at high temperatures by utilizing NMP as the solvent and incorporating additional ingredients, including vinylene carbonate additive, as well as the dual-salt systems formed by LiBF₄ with three different Li salts, namely lithium bis(oxalato)borate, lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate, and LiNO₃. The experimental results unfold that the proposed methods not only minimize aluminum current collector corrosion, but also effectively passivate the Li metal anode. Among them, LiNO₃ exhibits the most pronounced effect that achieves an energy density of ≈2400 Wh kg^-1 at a current density of 10 mA g^-1 at 30 °C, nearly 0% capacity-fade rate after 300 h of storage at 60 °C, and the capability to maintain a stable open-circuit voltage over 4000 h. This work provides a distinctive perspective on how to realize both high energy density and LSD rates at high temperature of Li||CF_x battery.