Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2025

Synthesis of Ionic Liquid Based Electrolytes, Assembly of Li-ion Batteries, and Measurements of Performance at High Temperature
Published on: December 20, 2016
The Interaction of Ether-Based Functionalized Ionic Liquids in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries: A First-Principles Study
Chengren Li1,2, Nan Zhou1,2, Jiaxin Tang1,2
1National Engineering Research Center of Vacuum Metallurgy, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650093, China.
Abstract:
Ionic liquids (ILs) as electrolytes in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries effectively mitigate the shuttle effect. Solvated cationic ether-based ILs, comprising [Li(G1)2]+, [Li(G2)2]+, [LiG3]+, [LiG4]+, or [LiG6]+ paired with bis(trifluoromethyllsulfonyl)imide ([TFSA]-) anions, are evaluated for their ability to suppress short-chain lithium polysulfide (LiPS: Li2S1, Li2S2, Li2S4) adsorption on lithium metal. The chelating capacity of solvated cations governs interactions with LiPSs and anions. Solvation via Li+ chelation prevents free Li+ fusion with LiPSs, reducing shuttle effects. Remarkably, the cyclic [LiG6]+ cation exhibits superior Li+ chelation, stability, and minimized LiPS adsorption compared to linear cations. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations confirm ether-based ILs stabilize anions and lower LiPS-lithium surface reactivity. These findings highlight solvated cation ILs as tailored electrolytes to control interfacial LiPS behavior, advancing high-performance LiS battery design.
Related Concept Videos
Ionic Bonding and Electron Transfer
Preparation and Reactions of Sulfides
Formation of Complex Ions
Batteries and Fuel Cells
Electrolysis
Trends in Lattice Energy: Ion Size and Charge

