Recent Advances in Nanoengineering of Electrode-Electrolyte Interfaces to Realize High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries

A suitable interface between the electrode and electrolyte is crucial in achieving highly stable electrochemical performance for Li-ion batteries,as facile ionic transport is required.Intriguing research and development have recently been conducted to form a stable interface between the electrode and electrolyte.Therefore,it is essential to investigate emerging knowledge and contextualize it.The nanoengineering of the electrode-electrolyte interface has been actively researched at the electrode/electrolyte and interphase levels.This review presents and summarizes some recent advances aimed at nanoengineering approaches to build a more stable electrode-electrolyte interface and assess the impact of each approach adopted.Furthermore,future perspectives on the feasibility and practicality of each approach will also be reviewed in detail.Finally,this review aids in projecting a more sustainable research pathway for a nanoengineered interphase design between electrode and electrolyte,which is pivotal for high-performance,thermally stable Li-ion batteries.

How do high-voltage cathode and PEO electrolyte get along well?EIS analysis mechanism&potentiometric control strategy

PEO-based all-solid-state electrolytes are extensively utilized and researched owing to their exceptional safety,low-mass-density,and cost-effectiveness.However,the low oxidation potential of PEO makes the interface problem with the high-voltage cathode extremely severe.In this work,the impedance of PEO-based all-solid-state batteries with high-voltage cathode(NCM811)was studied at different potentials.The Nyquist plots displayed a gyrate arc at low-frequencies for NCM811/PEO interface.Based on the kinetic modeling,it was deduced that there is a decomposition reaction of PEO-matrix in addition to de-embedded reaction of NCM811,and the PEO intermediate product(dehydra-PEO)adsorbed on the electrode surface leading to low-frequency inductive arcs.Furthermore,the distribution of relaxation time shows the dehydra-PEO results in the kinetic tardiness of the charge transfer process in the temporal dimension.Hence,an artificial interface layer(CEI_(x))was modified on the surface of NCM811 to regulate the potential of cathode/electrolyte interface to prevent the high-voltage deterioration of PEO.NCM/CEI_(x)/PEO batteries exhibit capacity retentions of 96.0%,84.6%,and 76.8%after undergoing 100 cycles at cut-off voltages of 4.1,4.2,and 4.3 V,respectively.Therefore,here the failure mechanism of high-voltage PEO electrolyte is investigated by EIS and a proposed solving strategy is presented.

LiCoO_(2) sintering aid towards cathode-interface-enhanced garnet electrolytes

Garnet-type Li_7La_(3)Zr_(2)O_(12)(LLZO) has high ionic conductivity and good compatibility with lithium metal.High-temperature processing has been proven an effective method to decrease the interface resistance of cathodeILLZO.However,its application is still hindered by the interlayer co-diffusion with the cathode and high sintering temperature(>1200℃).In this work,a new garnet-type composite solid-state electrolyte(SSE) Li_(6.54)La_(2.96)Ba_(0.04)Zr_(1.5)Nb_(0.5)O_(12)-LiCoO_(2)(LLBZNO-LCO) is firstly proposed to improve the chemical stability and electrochemical properties of garnet with high-temperature processing.Small doses of LCO(3%) can significantly decrease the LCOISSE interface resistance from 121.2 to 10.1 Ω cm~2,while the sintering temperature of garnet-type LLBZNO decreases from 1230 to 1000℃.The all-solid-state battery based on the sintered LLBZNO-LCO SSE exhibits excellent cycling stability.Our approach achieves an enhanced LCOISSE interface and an improved sintering activity of garnet SSE,which provides a new strategy for optimizing the comprehensive performance of garnet SSE.

Electrolyte engineering for optimizing anode/electrolyte interface towards superior aqueous zinc-ion batteries:A review

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries(AZIBs) are promising candidates for the large-scale energy storage systems due to their high intrinsic safety,cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness.However,issues such as dendrite growth,hydrogen evolution reaction,and interfacial passivation occurring at the anode/electrolyte interface(AEI) have hindered their practical application.Constructing a stable AEI plays a key role in regulating zinc deposition and improving the cycle life of AZIBs.The fundamentals of AEI and the challenges faced by the Zn anode due to unstable interfaces are discussed.A comprehensive summary of electrolyte regulation strategies by electrolyte engineering to achieve a stable Zn anode is provided.The effectiveness evaluation techniques for stable AEI are also analyzed,including the interfacial chemistry and surface morphology evolution of the Zn anode.Finally,suggestions and perspectives for future research are offered about enabling a durable and stable AEI via electrolyte engineering,which may pave the way for developing high-performance AZIBs.

Regulating interfacial chemistry and kinetic behaviors of F/Mo co-doping Ni-rich layered oxide cathode for long-cycling lithium-ion batteries over-20°C-60°C

Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes have shown promise for high-energy lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)but are usually limited to mild environments because of their rapid performance degradation under extreme temperature conditions(below0°C and above 50 °C).Here,we report the design of F/Mo co-doped LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2)(FMNCM)cathode for high-performance LIBs from-20 to 60°C.F^(-) doping with high electronegativity into the cathode surface is found to enhance the stability of surface lattice structure and protect the interface from side reactions with the electrolyte by generating a LiF-rich surface layer.Concurrently,the Mo^(6+) doping suppresses phase transition,which blocks Li^(+)/Ni^(2+) mixing,and stabilizes lithium-ion diffusion pathway.Remarkably,the FMNCM cathode demonstrates excellent cycling stability at a high cutoff voltage of 4.4 V,even at 60°C,maintaining 90.6%capacity retention at 3 C after 150 cycles.Additionally,at temperatures as low as-20°C,it retains 77.1%of its room temperature capacity,achieving an impressive 97.5%capacity retention after 500 cycles.Such stable operation under wide temperatures has been further validated in practical Ah-level pouch-cells.This study sheds light on both fundamental mechanisms and practical implications for the design of advanced cathode materials for wide-temperature LIBs,presenting a promising path towards high-energy and long-cycling LIBs with temperatureadaptability.

Recent progress of hybrid cathode interface layer for organic solar cells

Organic solar cells(OSCs)have gained conspicuous progress during the past few decades due to the development of materials and upgrading of the device structure.The power conversion efficiency(PCE)of the single-junction device had surpassed 19%.The cathode interface layer(CIL),by optimizing the connection between the active layer and the cathode electrode,has become a momentous part to strengthen the performances of the OSCs.Simultaneously,CIL is also indispensable to illustrating the working mechanism of OSCs and enhancing the stability of the OSCs.In this essay,hybrid CILs in OSCs have been summarized.Firstly,the advancement and operating mechanism of OSCs,and the effects and relevant design rules of CIL are briefly concluded;secondly,the significant influence of CIL on enhancing the stability and PCE of OSCs is presented;thirdly,the characteristics of organic hybrid CIL and organic-inorganic hybrid CIL are introduced.Finally,the conclusion and outlook of CIL are summarized.

Designing Conformal Electrode-electrolyte Interface by Semi-solid NaK Anode for Sodium Metal Batteries

Solid-state Na metal batteries(SSNBs),known for its low cost,high safety,and high energy density,hold a significant position in the next generation of rechargeable batteries.However,the urgent challenge of poor interfacial contact in solid-state electrolytes has hindered the commercialization of SSNBs.Driven by the concept of intimate electrode-electrolyte interface design,this study employs a combination of NaK alloy and carbon nanotubes to prepare a semi-solid NaK(NKC)anode.Unlike traditional Na anodes,the paintable paste-like NKC anode exhibits superior adhesion and interface compatibility with both current collectors and gel electrolytes,significantly enhancing the intimate contact of electrode-electrolyte interface.Additionally,the filling of SiO_(2)nanoparticles improves the wettability of NaK alloy on gel polymer electrolytes,further achieving a conformal interface contact.Consequently,the overpotential of the NKC symmetric cell is markedly lower than that of the Na symmetric cell when subjected to a long cycle of 300 h.The full cell coupled with Na_(3)V_(3)(PO_(4))_(2)cathodes had an initial discharge capacity of 106.8 mAh·g^(-1)with a capacity retention of 89.61%after 300 cycles,and a high discharge capacity of 88.1 mAh·g^(-1)even at a high rate of 10 C.The outstanding electrochemical performance highlights the promising application potential of the NKC electrode.

In-situ physical/chemical cross-linked hydrogel electrolyte achieving ultra-stable zinc anode-electrolyte interface towards dendrite-free zinc ion battery

Hydrogen evolution reaction(HER),zinc corrosion,and dendrites growth on zinc metal anode are the major issues limiting the practical applications of zinc-ion batteries.Herein,an in-situ physical/chemical cross-linked hydrogel electrolyte(carrageenan/polyacrylamide/ZnSO_(4),denoted as CPZ)has been developed to stabilize the zinc anode-electrolyte interface,which can eliminate side reactions and prevent dendrites growth.The in-situ CPZ hydrogel electrolyte improves the reversibility of zinc anode due to eliminating side reactions caused by active water molecules.Furthermore,the electrostatic interaction between the SO_(4)^(-)groups in CPZ and Zn^(2+)can encourage the preferential deposition of zinc atoms on(002)crystal plane,which achieve dendrite-free and homogeneous zinc deposition.The in-situ hydrogel electrolyte offers a streamlined approach to battery manufacturing by allowing for direct integration into the battery.Subsequently,the Zn//Zn half battery with CPZ hydrogel electrolyte can enable an ultra-long cycle over 5500 h at a current density of 0.5 mA cm^(-2),and the Zn//Cu half battery reach an average coulombic efficiency of 99.37%.The Zn//V_(2)O_5-GO full battery with CPZ hydrogel electrolyte demonstrates94.5%of capacity retention after 2100 cycles.This study is expected to open new thought for the development of commercial hydrogel electrolytes for low-cost and long-life zinc-ion batteries.

Engineering homotype heterojunctions in hard carbon to induce stable solid electrolyte interfaces for sodium-ion batteries

Developing effective strategies to improve the initial Coulombic efficiency(ICE)and cycling stability of hard carbon(HC)anodes for sodium-ion batteries is the key to promoting the commercial application of HC.In this paper,homotype heterojunctions are designed on HC to induce the generation of stable solid electrolyte interfaces,which can effectively increase the ICE of HC from 64.7%to 81.1%.The results show that using a simple surface engineering strategy to construct a homotypic amorphous Al_(2)O_(3) layer on the HC could shield the active sites,and further inhibit electrolyte decomposition and side effects occurrence.Particularly,due to the suppression of continuous decomposition of NaPF 6 in ester-based electrolytes,the accumulation of NaF could be reduced,leading to the formation of thinner and denser solid electrolyte interface films and a decrease in the interface resistance.The HC anode can not only improve the ICE but elevate its sodium storage performance based on this homotype heterojunction composed of HC and Al_(2)O_(3).The optimized HC anode exhibits an outstanding reversible capacity of 321.5mAhg^(−1) at 50mAg^(−1).The cycling stability is also improved effectively,and the capacity retention rate is 86.9%after 2000 cycles at 1Ag^(−1) while that of the untreated HC is only 52.6%.More importantly,the improved sodium storage behaviors are explained by electrochemical kinetic analysis.

Diluted low concentration electrolyte for interphase stabilization of high-voltage LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O_(4) cathode

The Co-free Li Ni_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O_(4)(LNMO)is a promising cathode for lithium-ion batteries owing to its high operating voltage and low costs.However,the synthesis of LNMO is generally time and energy consuming,and its practical application is hindered by the lack of a compatible electrolyte.Herein,a spray pyrolysis-based energy-saving synthesis method as well as a diluted low concentration electrolyte(0.5 M LiPF_(6) in a mixture of fluoroethylene carbonate/dimethyl carbonate/1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether(FEC:DMC:TTE,1:4:5 by volume))are proposed to address these challenges.Owing to the unique features of the precursor prepared by spray pyrolysis,well-crystallized LNMO single-crystal can be obtained within 1 h calcination at 900℃.Besides,the fluorinated interphases derived from the diluted low concentration electrolyte not only mitigate the Mn dissolution and Al corrosion at the cathode side,but also suppresses dendritic Li deposition at the anode side,thus enabling stable cycling of both LNMO and Li metal anode.Thus,30μm Li|LNMO(1.75 m A h cm^(-2))cells achieve a high capacity retention(90.9%)after 168 cycles in the diluted low concentration electrolyte.

Synergistic interphase modification with dual electrolyte additives to boost cycle stability of high nickel cathode for all-climate battery

B-containing electrolyte additives are widely used to enhance the cycle performance at low temperature and the rate capability of lithium-ion batteries by constructing an efficient cathode electrolyte interphase(CEI)to facilitate the rapid Li+migration.Nevertheless,its wide-temperature application has been limited by the instability of B-derived CEI layer at high temperature.Herein,dual electrolyte additives,consisting of lithium tetraborate(Li_(2)TB)and 2,4-difluorobiphenyl(FBP),are proposed to boost the widetemperature performances of LiNi_(0.6)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.2)O_(2)(NCM)cathode.Theoretical calculation and electrochemical performances analyses indicate that Li_(2)TB and FBP undergo successive decomposition to form a unique dual-layer CEI.FBP acts as a synergistic filming additive to Li_(2)TB,enhancing the hightemperature performance of NCM cathode while preserving the excellent low-temperature cycle stability and the superior rate capability conferred by Li_(2)TB additive.Therefore,the capacity retention of NCM‖Li cells using optimal FBP-Li_(2)TB dual electrolyte additives increases to 100%after 200 cycles at-10℃,99%after 200 cycles at 25℃,and 83%after 100 cycles at 55℃,respectively,much superior to that of base electrolyte(63%/69%/45%).More surprisingly,galvanostatic c ha rge/discharge experiments at different temperatures reveal that NCM‖Li cells using FBP-Li_(2)TB additives can operate at temperatures ranging from-40℃to 60℃.This synergistic interphase modification utilizing dual electrolyte additives to construct a unique dual-layer CEI adaptive to a wide temperature range,provides valuable insights to the practical applications of NCM cathodes for all-climate batteries.

Recent Advances in Electrolytes for High-Voltage Cathodes of Lithium-Ion Batteries

With the increasing scale of energy storage,it is urgently demanding for further advancements on battery technologies in terms of energy density,cost,cycle life and safety.The development of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)not only relies on electrodes,but also the functional electrolyte systems to achieve controllable formation of solid electrolyte interphase and high ionic conductivity.In order to satisfy the needs of higher energy density,high-voltage(>4.3 V)cathodes such as Li-rich layered compounds,olivine LiNiPO_(4),spinel LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.5)O_(4) have been extensively studied.However,high-voltage cathodebased LIBs fade rapidly mainly owing to the anodic decomposition of electrolytes,gradually thickening of interfacial passivation layer and vast irreversible capacity loss,hence encountering huge obstacle toward practical applications.To tackle this roadblock,substantial progress has been made toward oxidation-resistant electrolytes to block its side reaction with high-voltage cathodes.In this review,we discuss degradation mechanisms of electrolytes at electrolyte/cathode interface and ideal requirements of electrolytes for high-voltage cathode,as well as summarize recent advances of oxidation-resistant electrolyte optimization mainly from solvents and additives.With these insights,it is anticipated that development of liquid electrolyte tolerable to high-voltage cathode will boost the large-scale practical applications of high-voltage cathode-based LIBs.

Durable semi-crystalline interphase engineering to stabilize high voltage Ni-rich cathode in dilute ether electrolyte

Ethers are promising electrolyte solvents for secondary Li metal batteries because of their excellent reduction stability.However,their oxidation stability has been mostly relying on the high concentration approach,and limited progress has been made on building effective interphase to protect the cathode from the corrosion of the electrolyte.In this work,we construct a semi-crystalline interfacial layer on the surface of Li(Ni_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1))O_(2)cathode that can achieve improved electrochemical stability in the highly corrosive chemical environment formed by the decomposition of ether molecules.Different from traditional brittle crystalline interphases,the optimized semi-crystalline layer with low modulus and high ionic conductivity can effectively relieve electrode strain and maintain the integrity of the interface layer.Due to this design,the continuous oxidation decomposition of ether-based electrolytes could be significantly suppressed and the battery shows outstanding cycling stability(84%capacity retention after 300 cycles).This article provides a solution to address the oxidation instability issue of ether-based electrolytes.

A stable anthraquinone-derivative cathode to develop sodium metal batteries: The role of ammoniates as electrolytes

Rechargeable sodium metal batteries constitute a cost-effective option for energy storage although sodium shows some drawbacks in terms of reactivity with organic solvents and dendritic growth.Here we demonstrate that an organic dye,indanthrone blue,behaves as an efficient cathode material for the development of secondary sodium metal batteries when combined with novel inorganic electrolytes.These electrolytes are ammonia solvates,known as liquid ammoniates,which can be formulated as NaI·3.3NH_(3) and NaBF_(4)·2.5NH_(3).They impart excellent stability to sodium metal,and they favor sodium non-dendritic growth linked to their exceedingly high sodium ion concentration.This advantage is complemented by a high specific conductivity.The battery described here can last hundreds of cycles at 10 C while keeping a Coulombic efficiency of 99%from the first cycle.Because of the high capacity of the cathode and the superior physicochemical properties of the electrolytes,the battery can reach a specific energy value as high as 210 W h kgIB^(-1),and a high specific power of 2.2 kW kgIB^(-1),even at below room temperature(4℃).Importantly,the battery is based on abundant and cost-effective materials,bearing promise for its application in large-scale energy storage.

Progress and perspective of the cathode/electrolyte interface construction in all-solid-state lithium batteries

Security risks of flammability and explosion represent major problems with the use of conventional lithium rechargeable batteries using a liquid electrolyte.The application of solid-state electrolytes could effectively help to avoid these safety concerns.However,integrating the solid-state electrolytes into the all-solid-state lithium batteries is still a huge challenge mainly due to the high interfacial resistance present in the entire battery,especially at the interface between the cathode and the solid-state electrolyte pellet and the interfaces inside the cathode.Herein,recent progress made from investigations of cathode/solid-state electrolyte interfacial behaviors including the contact problem,the interlayer diffusion issue,the space-charge layer effect,and electrochemical compatibility is presented according to the classification of oxide-,sulfide-,and polymer-based solid-state electrolytes.We also propose strategies for the construction of ideal next-generation cathode/solid-state electrolyte interfaces with high room-temperature ionic conductivity,stable interfacial contact during long cycling,free formation of the space-charge region,and good compatibility with high-voltage cathodes.

Enhancing interfacial stability in solid-state lithium batteries with polymer/garnet solid electrolyte and composite cathode framework

The solid-state lithium battery is considered as an ideal next-generation energy storage device owing to its high safety,high energy density and low cost.However,the poor ionic conductivity of solid electrolyte and low interfacial stability has hindered the application of solid-state lithium battery.Here,a flexible polymer/garnet solid electrolyte is prepared with poly(ethylene oxide),poly(vinylidene fluoride),Li6.75La3 Zr1.75Ta0.25O12,lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and oxalate,which exhibits an ionic conductivity of 2.0 ×10^(-4) S cm^(-1) at 55℃,improved mechanical property,wide electrochemical window(4.8 V vs.Li/Li+),enhanced thermal stabilities.Tiny acidic OX was introduced to inhibit the alkalinity reactions between Li6.75La3 Zr1.75Ta0.25O12 and poly(vinylidene fluoride).In order to improve the interfacial stability between cathode and electrolyte,an Al2 O3@LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 based composite cathode framework is also fabricated with poly(ethylene oxide) polymer and lithium salt as additives.The solid-state lithium battery assembled with polymer/garnet solid electrolyte and composite cathode framework demonstrates a high initial discharge capacity of 150.6 mAh g^(-1) and good capacity retention of 86.7% after 80 cycles at 0.2 C and 55℃,which provides a promising choice for achieving the stable electrode/electrolyte interfacial contact in solid-state lithium batteries.

Charactering and optimizing cathode electrolytes interface for advanced rechargeable batteries:Promises and challenges

With the advancement of secondary batteries,interfacial properties of electrode materials have been recognized as essential factors to their electrochemical performance.However,the majority of investigations are devoted into advanced electrode materials synthesis,while there is insufficient attention paid to regulate their interfaces.In this regard,the solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)at anode part has been studied for 40 years,already achieving remarkable outcomes on improving the stability of anode candidates.Unfortunately,the study on the cathode electrolyte interfaces(CEI)remains in infancy,which constitutes a potential restriction to the capacity contribution,stability and safety of cathodes.In fact,the native CEI generally possesses unfavorable characteristics against structural and compositional stability that requires demanding optimization strategies.Meanwhile,an in-depth understanding of the CEI is of great significance to guide the optimization principles in terms of composition,structure,growth mechanism,and electrochemical properties.In this literature,recent progress and advances of the CEI characterization methods and optimization protocols are summarized,and meanwhile the mutually-reinforced mechanisms between detection and modification are explained.The criteria and the potential development of the CEI characterization are proposed with insights of novel optimization directions.

Manipulating interfacial stability of LiNi0.5Co0.3Mn0.2O2 cathode with sulfide electrolyte by nanosized LLTO coating to achieve high-performance all-solid-state lithium batteries

All-solid-state lithium batteries(ASSLBs) based on sulfide solid-state electrolytes and high voltage layered oxide cathode are regarded as one of the most promising candidates for energy storage systems with high energy density and high safety.However,they usually suffer poor cathode/electrolyte interfacial stability,severely limiting their practical applications.In this work,a core-shell cathode with uniformly nanosized Li0.5La0.5TiO3(LLTO) electrolyte coating on LiNi0.5Co0.3Mn0.2O2(NCM532) is designed to improve the cathode/electrolyte interface stability.Nanosized LLTO coating layer not only significantly boosts interfacial migration of lithium ions,but also efficiently alleviates space-charge layer and inhibits the electrochemical decomposition of electrolyte.As a result,the assembled ASSLBs with high mass loading(9 mg cm-2)LLTO coated NCM532(LLTO@NCM532) cathode exhibit high initial capacity(135 mAh g^(-1)) and excellent cycling performance with high capacity retention(80% after 200 cycles) at 0.1 C and 25℃.This nanosized LLTO coating layer design provides a facile and effective strategy for constructing high performance ASSLBs with superior interfacial stability.

Enhanced Cathode/Electrolyte Interface in Solid-state Li-metal Battery based on Garnet-type Electrolyte

Li/garnet/LiFePO_(4) solid-state battery was fabricated.The cathode contains LiFePO_(4),Ketjen black,poly(vinylidene fluoride):LiTFSI polymer as active material,electric conductor and Li-ion conducting binder,respectively.Polyvinylpyrrolidone was added into the cathode to improve cathode/electrolyte interfacial performance.When combined with polyvinylpyrrolidone additive,poly(vinylidene fluoride):polyvinylpyrrol idone:LiTFSI blend forms,and the cathode/electrolyte interfacial resistance reduces from 10.7 kΩto 3.2 kΩ.The Li/garnet/LiFePO_(4) solid-state battery shows 80%capacity retention after 100 cycles at 30℃and 0.05 C.This study offers a general strategy to improve cathode/electrolyte interfacial performance and may enable the practical application of solid-state Li-metal batteries.

Room temperature operation of all-solid-state battery using a closo-type complex hydride solid electrolyte and a LiCoO_(2) cathode by interfacial modification

We report on an all-solid-state battery that employs a closo-type complex hydride solid electrolyte and a LiCoO2 cathode.Interfacial modification between the solid electrolyte and cathode with a LiNbO3 buffer layer enables reversible charge-discharge cycling with a cell voltage of 3.9V (vs.Li^+/Li) at room temperature.Electrochemical analyses clarify that the given modification effectively suppresses side reactions at the cathode/solid electrolyte interface.The interfacial resistance is lowered by ca.10 times with a 5 nm thick LiNbO3 buffer layer compared to that without a buffer layer,so that a discharge capacity of 109 mAh g^-1 is achieved.These results suggest that interfacial modification can be a viable approach to the development of high-voltage all-solid-state batteries using closo-type complex hydride solid electrolytes and oxide cathodes.