Surface-Anchored Nanoparticles Enable Electrode ζ-Potential Control: Modulating Electrolyte Solvation to Form...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Battery Technology

Background:

• Electrolyte stability is crucial for lithium-ion battery performance, especially with high-voltage cathodes.
• Electrolyte decomposition at the cathode-electrolyte interface (CEI) limits battery lifespan and safety.
• Developing stable CEIs is essential for advancing high-voltage lithium-ion battery technology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of surface-anchored nanoparticles (SAN) on cathode stability.
• To enhance the cathode-electrolyte interface (CEI) for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries.
• To improve the cycling stability and performance of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) cathodes.

Main Methods:

• Anchoring metal oxide nanoparticles with positive zeta potential onto the cathode surface.
• Characterizing the modified electrode-electrolyte interface using electrochemical techniques.
• Evaluating the cycling stability and performance of modified LNMO cathodes with conventional carbonate electrolytes.

Main Results:

• Surface-anchored nanoparticles modulated the ion solvation environment at the interface.
• A stable, inorganic-rich CEI was formed, suppressing parasitic side reactions.
• The SAN strategy prevented Mn2+ dissolution and significantly improved cycling stability of LNMO cathodes.
• Enhanced performance was observed across wide electrochemical windows.

Conclusions:

• Surface-anchored nanoparticles offer a novel approach to designing robust cathode-electrolyte interfaces.
• This strategy effectively enhances electrolyte stability and cycling performance in high-voltage lithium-ion batteries.
• The findings advance the practical application of high-voltage cathodes in next-generation energy storage devices.