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Published on: August 12, 2013
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Toward Safe and Cost-Effective LiFePO4 Batteries: A Multifunctional Electrolyte with Flame-Retardant and Interfacial
Yixuan Dong1,2, Ziqi Zeng1, Yuanke Wu3
1State Key Laboratory of Advanced Electromagnetic Engineering Technology, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 12, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel two-dimensional electrolyte, RDF, for safer lithium-ion batteries. It enhances thermal stability by preventing early reactions and suppressing combustion, maintaining excellent battery performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Battery Technology
Background:
- Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) face safety challenges due to flammable electrolytes and exothermic reactions at the solid electrolyte interphase.
- Current flame-retardant methods are insufficient against early-stage interfacial reactions during thermal runaway.
- A need exists for integrated safety solutions that address both electrolyte flammability and interfacial instability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional electrolyte that enhances the safety of LiFePO4-based LIBs.
- To decouple safety functions from electrochemical performance through a novel two-dimensional electrolyte design.
- To improve thermal stability and prevent premature exothermic reactions in LIBs.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of lithiophobic, noncoordinating components: perfluoro-2-methyl-3-pentanone (FK), ethoxy(pentafluoro)cyclotriphosphazene (PFPN), and 1,3,5-trimethyl-1,3,5-tris(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)cyclotrisiloxane (D3F) into an electrolyte.
- In situ ring-opening polymerization of D3F to form a protective siloxane interphase on the graphite anode.
- Evaluation of thermal safety and electrochemical performance in 4.8 Ah LiFePO4∥Graphite pouch cells under thermal abuse conditions.
Main Results:
- The developed RDF electrolyte provides robust flame retardancy and protects the graphite anode by suppressing exothermic interfacial reactions.
- RDF significantly delays the onset of internal short circuits by approximately 50 minutes compared to conventional carbonate electrolytes.
- High electrochemical performance is maintained, with cells retaining 80.2% capacity after 200 cycles (commercial loading) and 93% capacity (1 Ah cells).
Conclusions:
- The two-dimensional electrolyte design strategy effectively integrates flame retardancy with interfacial protection for enhanced LIB safety.
- The RDF electrolyte offers a practical and scalable approach to developing intrinsically safer, high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
- This work addresses critical safety gaps in LIBs, paving the way for more reliable energy storage solutions.
