Innovations in non-flammable and flame-retardant electrolytes for safer lithium-ion batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are crucial for modern electronics.
• Liquid electrolytes in LIBs pose significant fire risks, hindering adoption.
• Current research faces challenges in balancing safety and electrochemical performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in non-flammable and flame-retardant electrolytes for LIBs.
• To highlight strategies for improving LIB safety and performance.
• To identify future research directions for safer energy storage.

Main Methods:

• Critical examination of recent literature on electrolyte design.
• Analysis of molecular engineering approaches.
• Evaluation of functional additive incorporation and solvation structure modifications.

Main Results:

• Progress in developing non-flammable electrolytes through molecular design.
• Insights into functional additives enhancing flame retardancy.
• Understanding of solvation structure impacts on safety and performance.

Conclusions:

• Achieving optimal cell safety and electrochemical performance simultaneously is challenging.
• Multi-functional electrolyte solutions are needed for integrated safety, stability, and performance.
• Further research into novel electrolyte designs is essential for safer LIBs.