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Synthesis of Ionic Liquid Based Electrolytes, Assembly of Li-ion Batteries, and Measurements of Performance at High Temperature
Published on: December 20, 2016
Tuning Reaction Pathways via Symmetric Fluorination Enables High-Temperature and High-Voltage Electrolytes
Fangyuan Cheng1,2,3, Wen Zhang1,2,3, Chun Fang4
1Eastern Institute for Advanced Study, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, China.
Molecular fluorination symmetry in electrolytes enhances the stability and safety of high-capacity nickel-rich cathodes. This strategy improves performance at high voltages and temperatures, crucial for advanced battery applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Nickel-rich layered oxide cathodes offer high energy density but face challenges with interfacial instability and thermal safety at high voltages and temperatures.
- Existing electrolyte formulations struggle to mitigate decomposition pathways, leading to capacity fade and safety concerns in demanding battery operations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel electrolyte design strategy based on molecular fluorination symmetry to enhance the high-temperature performance and intrinsic safety of Ni-rich cathodes.
- To precisely control electrolyte decomposition pathways and suppress the formation of detrimental acidic byproducts.
Main Methods:
- Employed difluoro-symmetric substitution in electrolyte molecular engineering.
- Investigated synergistic fluorination to direct interfacial chemistry.
- Tested modified electrolytes in electrochemical cells under harsh conditions (4.5 V, 45°C).
Main Results:
- Modified cells retained 83% capacity after 300 cycles at 4.5 V and 45°C, with reduced gas generation and increased thermal runaway onset temperature.
- Large-format pouch cells (2 Ah) demonstrated excellent capacity retention (90% after 480 cycles at 45°C; 91% after 200 cycles at 60°C).
- The strategy effectively suppressed defluorination decomposition and acidic byproduct formation.
Conclusions:
- Molecular fluorination symmetry is a viable design principle for advanced electrolytes.
- This approach significantly enhances the high-temperature performance and safety of Ni-rich cathodes.
- The findings pave the way for more stable and reliable high-energy-density battery systems.
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