Regulating zinc ion transport behavior and solvated structure towards stable aqueous Zn metal batteries

Aqueous Zn metal batteries(AZMBs)with intrinsic safety,high energy density and low cost have been regarded as promising electrochemical energy storage devices.However,the parasitic reaction on metallic Zn anode and the incompatibility between electrode and electrolytes lead to the deterioration of electrochemical performance of AZMBs during the cycling.The critical point to achieve the stable cycling of AZMBs is to properly regulate the zinc ion solvated structure and transfer behavior between metallic Zn anode and electrolyte.In recent years,numerous achievements have been made to resolve the formation of Zn dendrite and interface incompatible issues faced by AZMBs via optimizing the sheath structure and transport capability of zinc ions at electrode-electrolyte interface.In this review,the challenges for metallic Zn anode and electrode-electrolyte interface in AZMBs including dendrite formation and interface characteristics are presented.Following the influences of different strategies involving designing advanced electrode structu re,artificial solid electrolyte interphase(SEI)on Zn anode and electrolyte engineering to regulate zinc ion solvated sheath structure and transport behavior are summarized and discussed.Finally,the perspectives for the future development of design strategies for dendrite-free Zn metal anode and long lifespan AZMBs are also given.

Cell-nucleus structured electrolyte for low-temperature aqueous zinc batteries

Rechargeable aqueous zinc(Zn) batteries hold great promise for large-scale energy storage,but their implementation is plagued by poor Zn reversibility and unsatisfactory low-temperature performance.Herein,we design a cell-nucleus structured electrolyte by introducing low-polarity 1,2-dimethoxyethane(DME) into dilute 1 M zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate(Zn(OTf)_(2)) aqueous solution,which features an OTf--rich Zn2^(+)-primary solvation sheath(PSS,inner nucleus) and the DMEmodulated Zn^(2+)-outer solvation sheath(outer layer).We find that DME additives with a low dosage do not participate in the Zn2+-PSS but reinforce the Zn-OTf-coordination,which guarantees good reaction kinetics under ultralow temperatures.Moreover,DME breaks the original H-bonding network of H2O,depressing the freezing point of electrolyte to-52.4℃.Such a cell-nucleus-solvation structure suppresses the H_(2)O-induced side reactions and forms an anion-derived solid electrolyte interphase on Zn and can be readily extended to 1,2-diethoxyethane.The as-designed electrolyte enables the Zn electrode deep cycling stability over 3500 h with a high depth-of-discharge of 51.3% and endows the Zn‖V_(2)O_(5)full battery with stable cycling over 1000 cycles at 40℃.This work would inspire the solvation structure design for low-temperature aqueous batteries.

Regulating the Solvation Structure of Li^(+) Enables Chemical Prelithiation of Silicon-Based Anodes Toward High-Energy Lithium-Ion Batteries

The solvation structure of Li^(+) in chemical prelithiation reagent plays a key role in improving the low initial Coulombic efficiency(ICE) and poor cycle performance of silicon-based materials. Never theless, the chemical prelithiation agent is difficult to dope active Li^(+) in silicon-based anodes because of their low working voltage and sluggish Li^(+) diffusion rate. By selecting the lithium–arene complex reagent with 4-methylbiphenyl as an anion ligand and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran as a solvent, the as-prepared micro-sized Si O/C anode can achieve an ICE of nearly 100%. Interestingly, the best prelithium efficiency does not correspond to the lowest redox half-potential(E_(1/2)), and the prelithiation efficiency is determined by the specific influencing factors(E_(1/2), Li^(+) concentration, desolvation energy, and ion diffusion path). In addition, molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that the ideal prelithiation efficiency can be achieved by choosing appropriate anion ligand and solvent to regulate the solvation structure of Li^(+). Furthermore, the positive effect of prelithiation on cycle performance has been verified by using an in-situ electrochemical dilatometry and solid electrolyte interphase film characterizations.

Tailoring Mg^(2+)Solvation Structure in a Facile All-Inorganic[Mg_(x)Li_(y)Cl2_(x+y)·nTHF]Complex Electrolyte for High Rate and Long Cycle-Life Mg Battery

A high-performance all-inorganic magnesium-lithium chloride complex(MLCC)electrolyte is synthesized by a simple room-temperature reaction of LiCl with MgCl_(2) in tetrahydrofuran(THF)solvent.Molecular dynamics simulation,density functional theory calculation,Raman spectroscopy,and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveal that the formation of[Mg_(x)Li_(y)Cl_(2x+y)·nTHF]complex solvation structure significantly lowers the coordination number of THF in the first solvation sheath of Mg^(2+),which significantly enhances its de-solvation kinetics.The MLCC electrolyte presents a stable electrochemical window up to 3.1 V(vs Mg/Mg^(2+))and enables reversible cycling of Mg metal deposition/stripping with an outstanding Coulombic efficiency up to 99%at current densities as high as 10 mA cm^(-2).Utilizing the MLCC electrolyte,a Mg/Mo_(6)S_(8) full cell can be cycled for over 10000 cycles with a superior capacity retention of 85 mA h g^(-1) under an ultrahigh rate of 50 C(1 C=128.8 mA g^(-1)).The facile synthesis of highperformance MLCC electrolyte provides a promising solution for future practical magnesium batteries.

Rationalizing Na-ion solvation structure by weakening carbonate solvent coordination ability for high-voltage sodium metal batteries

Commercial carbonate-based electrolytes feature highly reactive activities with alkali metals,yielding low Coulombic efficiencies and poor cycle life in lithium metal batteries,which possess much higher chemical activity in the rising star sodium metal batteries.To be motivated,we have proposed that decreasing the solvent solvation ability in carbonate-based electrolytes stepwise could enable longterm stable cycling of high-voltage sodium metal batteries.As the solvation capacity reduces,more anions are enticed into the solvation sheath of Na^(+),resulting in the formation of the more desirable interphase layers on the surface of the anode and the cathode.The inorganic-dominated interphases allow highly efficient Na^(+)deposition/stripping processes with a lower rate of dead sodium generation,as well as maintain a stable structure of the high-voltage cathode material.Specifically,the assembled Na||Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(2)F_(3)battery exhibits an accelerated ion diffusion kinetics and achieves a higher capacity retention of 85.9%with during the consecutive 200 cycles under the high voltage of 4.5 V.It is anticipated that the tactics we have proposed could be applicable in other secondary metal battery systems as well.

Electrode-compatible fluorine-free multifunctional additive regulating solid electrolyte interphase and solvation structure for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

The rapid development and widespread application of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) have increased demand for high-safety and high-performance LIBs. Accordingly, various additives have been used in commercial liquid electrolytes to severally adjust the solvation structure of lithium ions, control the components of solid electrolyte interphase, or reduce flammability. While it is highly desirable to develop low-cost multifunctional electrolyte additives integrally that address both safety and performance on LIBs, significant challenges remain. Herein, a novel phosphorus-containing organic small molecule, bis(2-methoxyethyl) methylphosphonate(BMOP), was rationally designed to serve as a fluorine-free and multifunctional additive in commercial electrolytes. This novel electrolyte additive is low-toxicity,high-efficiency, low-cost, and electrode-compatible, which shows the significant improvement to both electrochemical performance and fire safety for LIBs through regulating the electrolyte solvation structure, constructing the stable electrode-electrolyte interphase, and suppressing the electrolyte combustion. This work provides a new avenue for developing safer and high-performance LIBs.

Air-Stable Binary Hydrated Eutectic Electrolytes with Unique Solvation Structure for Rechargeable Aluminum-Ion Batteries

Aluminum-ion batteries(AIBs)have been highlighted as a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries for large-scale energy storage due to the abundant reserve,light weight,low cost,and good safety of Al.However,the development of AIBs faces challenges due to the usage of AlCl_(3)-based ionic liquid electrolytes,which are expensive,corrosive,and sensitive to humidity.Here,we develop a low-cost,non-corrosive,and air-stable hydrated eutectic electrolyte composed of aluminum perchlorate nonahydrate and methylurea(MU)ligand.Through optimizing the molar ratio to achieve the unique solvation structure,the formed Al(ClO_4)_(3)·9H_(2)O/MU hydrated deep eutectic electrolyte(AMHEE)with an average coordination number of 2.4 can facilely realize stable and reversible deposition/stripping of Al.When combining with vanadium oxide nanorods positive electrode,the Al-ion full battery delivers a high discharge capacity of 320 mAh g^(-1)with good capacity retention.The unique solvation structure with a low desolvation energy of the AMHEE enables Al^(3+)insertion/extraction during charge/discharge processes,which is evidenced by in situ synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction.This work opens a new pathway of developing low-cost,safe,environmentally friendly and high-performance electrolytes for practical and sustainable AIBs.

Electrolyte Solvation Structure Design for High Voltage Zinc-Based Hybrid Batteries

Zinc(Zn)metal anodes have enticed substantial curiosity for large-scale energy storage owing to inherent safety,high specific and volumetric energy capacities of Zn metal anodes.However,the aqueous electrolyte traditionally employed in Zn batteries suffers severe decomposition due to the narrow voltage stability window.Herein,we introduce N-methylformamide(NMF)as an organic solvent and modulate the solvation structure to obtain a stable organic/aqueous hybrid electrolyte for high-voltage Zn batteries.NMF is not only extremely stable against Zn metal anodes but also reduces the free water molecule availability by creating numerous hydrogen bonds,thereby accommodating high-voltage Zn‖LiMn_(2)O_(4)batteries.The introduction of NMF prevented hydrogen evolution reaction and promoted the creation of an Frich solid electrolyte interphase,which in turn hampered dendrite growth on Zn anodes.The Zn‖LiMn_(2)O_(4)full cells delivered a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.7%over 400 cycles.

Tackling application limitations of high-safetyγ-butyrolactone electrolytes:Exploring mechanisms and proposing solutions

Developing wide-temperature and high-safety lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)presents significant challenges attributed to the absence of suitable solvents possessing broad liquid range and non-flammability properties.γ-Butyrolactone(GBL)has emerged as a promising solvent;however,its incompatibility with graphite anode has hindered its application.This limitation necessitates a comprehensive investigation into the underlying mechanisms and potential solutions.In this study,we achieve a molecular-level understanding of the perplexing interphase formation process by employing in-situ spectroelectrochemical techniques and density function calculations.Our findings reveal that,even at high salt concentrations,GBL consistently occupies the primary Li^(+)solvation sheath,leading to extensive GBL decomposition and the formation of a high-impedance and inorganic-poor solid-electrolyte interphase(SEI)layer.Contrary to manipulating solvation structures,our research demonstrates that the utilization of filmforming additives with higher reduction potential facilitates the pre-establishment of a robust SEI film on the graphite anode.This approach effectively inhibits GBL decomposition and significantly enhances the battery's lifespan.This study provides the first reported intrinsic understanding of the unique GBLgraphite incompatibility and offers valuable insights for the development of wide-temperature and high-safety LIBs.

Long‐life lithium batteries enabled by a pseudo‐oversaturated electrolyte

The specific energy of Li metal batteries(LMBs)can be improved by using high‐voltage cathode materials;however,achieving long‐term stable cycling performance in the corresponding system is particularly challenging for the liquid electrolyte.Herein,a novel pseudo‐oversaturated electrolyte(POSE)is prepared by introducing 1,1,2,2‐tetrafluoroethyl‐2,2,3,3‐tetrafluoropropyl ether(TTE)to adjust the coordination structure between diglyme(G2)and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide(LiTFSI).Surprisingly,although TTE shows little solubility to LiTFSI,the molar ratio between LiTFSI and G2 in the POSE can be increased to 1:1,which is much higher than that of the saturation state,1:2.8.Simulation and experimental results prove that TTE promotes closer contact of the G2 molecular with Li^(+)in the POSE.Moreover,it also participates in the formation of electrolyte/electrode interphases.The electrolyte shows outstanding compatibility with both the Li metal anode and typical high‐voltage cathodes.Li||Li symmetric cells show a long life of more than 2000 h at 1 mA cm^(−2),1 mAh cm^(−2).In the meantime,Li||LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2)(NCM811)cell with the POSE shows a high reversible capacity of 134.8 mAh g^(−1 )after 900 cycles at 4.5 V,1 C rate.The concept of POSE can provide new insight into the Li^(+)solvation structure and in the design of advanced electrolytes for LMBs.

Adjusting the solvation structure with tris(trimethylsilyl)borate additive to improve the performance of LNCM half cells

Tris(trimethylsilyl)borate(TMSB) has been intensively studied to improve the performances of lithiumion batteries. However, it is still an interesting issue needed to be resolved for the research on the Li^(+) solvation structure affected by TMSB additive. Herein, the electrochemical tests, quantum chemistry calculations, potential-resolved in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and surface analyses were used to explore the effects of Li^(+) solvation structure with TMSB additive on the formation of the cathode electrolyte interface(CEI) film in LiNi_(0.8)Co_(0.1)Mn_(0.1)O_(2)/Li half cells. The results reveal that the TMSB additive is easy to complex with Li^(+) ion, thus weaken the intermolecular force between Li^(+) ions and ethylene carbonate solvent, which is benefit for the cycle performance. Besides, the changed Li^(+) solvation structure results in a thin and dense CEI film containing compounds with Si–O and B–O bonds which is favorable to the transfer of Li^(+) ions. As a result, the performances of the LNCM811/Li half cells are effectively improved. This research provides a new idea to construct a high-performance CEI film by adjusting the Li^(+) solvation structures.

1,3,5-Trifluorobenzene endorsed EC-free electrolyte for high-voltage and wide-temperature lithium-ion batteries

Ethylene carbonate(EC)is susceptible to the aggressive chemistry of nickel-rich cathodes,making it undesirable for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).The arbitrary elimination of EC leads to better oxidative tolerance but always incurs interfacial degradation and electrolyte decomposition.Herein,an EC-free electrolyte is deliberately developed based on gradient solvation by pairing solvation-protection agent(1,3,5-trifluorobenzene,F_(3)B)with propylene carbonate(PC)/methyl ethyl carbonate(EMC)formulation.F_(3)B keeps out of inner coordination shell but decomposes preferentially to construct robust interphase,inhibiting solvent decomposition and electrode corrosion.Thereby,the optimized electrolyte(1.1 M)with wide liquid range(-70–77℃)conveys decent interfacial compatibility and high-voltage stability(4.6 V for LiNi_(0.6)Mn_(0.2)Co_(0.2)O_(2),NCM622),qualifying reliable operation of practical NCM/graphite pouch cell(81.1%capacity retention over 600 cycles at 0.5 C).The solvation preservation and interface protection from F_(3)B blaze a new avenue for developing high-voltage electrolytes in next-generation LIBs.

Mechanism of high-concentration electrolyte inhibiting the destructive effect of Mn(Ⅱ)on the performance of lithium-ion batteries

By optimizing electrolyte formulation to inhibit the deposition of transition metal ions(TMIs) on the surface of the graphite anode is an effective way to improve the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries.At present,it is generally believed the formation of an effective interfacial film on the surface of the anode electrode is the leading factor in reducing the dissolution of TMIs and prevent TMIs from being embedded in the electrode.It ignores the influence of the solvation structures in the electrolyte system with different composition,and is not conducive to the design of the electrolyte formulation from the perspective of changing the concentration and the preferred solvent to inhibit the degradation of battery performance caused by TMIs deposition.In this work,by analyzing the special solvation structures of the high-concentra tion electrolyte,we study the main reason why high-concentration electrolyte inhibits the destructive effect of Mn(Ⅱ) on the electrochemical performance of LIBs.By combining the potentialresolved in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technology(PRIs-EIS) and density functional theory(DFT) calculation,we find that Mn(Ⅱ) mainly exists in the form of contact ions pairs(CIPs) and aggregates(AGGs) in high-concentration electrolyte.These solvation structures can reduce the destructive effect of Mn(Ⅱ) on battery performance from two aspects:on the one hand,it can rise the lowest unoccupied orbital(LUMO) value of the solvation structures of Mn(Ⅱ),thereby reducing the chance of its reduction;on the other hand,the decrease of Mn2+ions reduction can reduce the deposition of metallic manganese in the solid electrolyte interphase(SEI),thereby avoiding the continuous growth of the SEI.This study can be provided inspiration for the design of electrolytes to inhibit the destructive effect of TMls on LIBs.

Diluent decomposition-assisted formation of Li F-rich solid-electrolyte interfaces enables high-energy Li-metal batteries

Passivation by the inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase(SEI),especially the LiF-rich SEI,is highly desirable to guarantee the durable lifespan of Li metal batteries(LMBs).Here,we report a diluent with the capability to facilitate the formation of LiF-rich SEI while avoiding the excess consumption of Li salts.Dissimilar to most of reported inert diluents,heptafluoro-l-methoxypropane(HM) is firstly demonstrated to cooperate with the decomposition of anions to generate LiF-rich SEI via releasing Fcontaining species near Li surface.The designed electrolyte consisting of 1.8 M LiFSI in the mixture of1,2-dimethoxyethane(DME)/HM(2:1 by vol.) achieves excellent compatibility with both Li metal anodes(Coulombic efficiency~99.8%) and high-voltage cathodes(4.4 V LiNi_(0.8)Mn_(0.1)Co_(0.1)O_(2)(NMC811) and 4.5 V LiCoO_(2)(LCO) vs Li^(+)/Li).The 4.4 V Li(20μm)‖NMC811(2.5 mA h cm^(-2)) and 4.5 V Li(20μm)‖LCO(2.5 mA h cm^(-2)) cells achieve capacity retentions of 80% over 560 cycles and 80% over 505 cycles,respectively.Meanwhile,the anode-free pouch cell delivers an energy density of~293 W h kg^(-1)initially and retains 70% of capacity after 100 deep cycles.This work highlights the critical impact of diluent on the SEI formation,and opens up a new direction for designing desirable interfacial chemistries to enable high-performance LMBs.

Enhanced efficiency and stability of 3.3 V Cu-Li batteries by tuning the cation-anion interaction in the electrolyte

Cu-Li battery with Cu metal cathode and Li metal anode is a candidate for next-generation energy storage system.While self-discharge of the battery can be suppressed with an anion exchange membrane,the voltage polarization depends strongly on the electrolyte.Specifically,when an electrolyte with 3 M LiTFSI(lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide)in dimethyl carbonate(DMC)is used,overpotential increases with cycling.In this work,we reveal why the voltage polarization changes,and reduce and stabilize it by replacing DMC solvent with a mixed solvent composed of dimethoxyethane(DME)and propylene carbonate(PC).The new electrolyte has higher ionic conductivity and stable solvation structure with more free TFSI-anions upon cycling,which also facilitates uniform plating of metal ions on the metal electrodes.These characteristics enable a stable Cu-Li battery with minimal change in overpotential for more than 1500 cycles at a current density of 2 m A cm^(-2).

Structural regulation chemistry of lithium-ion solvation in nonflammable phosphate-based electrolytes for high interfacial compatibility with graphite anode

With the booming development of lithium-ion batteries,safety has become one of the most primary focuses of current researches.Although there are various approaches to enhance the safety of lithiumion batteries,phosphate-based electrolyte holds the greatest potential for practical application due to their non-flammability.Nonetheless,its compatibility issue with the graphite anode remains a significant obstacle to its widespread use.Herein,an effective method is proposed to improve the compatibility of electrolyte with graphite(Gr)anode by rationally adjusting the proportion of lithium salt and solvent components to optimize the Li^(+)solvation structure.By slightly increasing the Li^(+)/triethyl phosphate(TEP)ratio,TEP alone cannot fully occupy the inner solvation sheath and therefore less polar ethylene carbonate(EC)has to be recruited,and the solvation structure gradually changes from Li^(+)–[TEP]_(4)to Li^(+)–[TEP]_(3)[EC]with the coexistence of EC and TEP.Simultaneously,EC molecules in the Li^(+)–[TEP]_(3)[EC]could be preferentially reduced on graphite compared to the TEP molecules,resulting in the formation of a uniform and durable solid-electrolyte interphase(SEI)layer.Benefiting from the optimized phosphate-based electrolyte,the Gr|Li battery exhibits a capacity retention rate of 96.8%after stable cycling at 0.5 C for 470 cycles which shows a longer cycle life than the battery with carbonate electrolyte(cycling at 0.5 C for 450 cycles).Therefore,this work provides the guidance for designing a non-flammable phosphate-based electrolyte for high-safety and long cycling-life lithium-ion batteries.

Li^(+)Solvation Mediated Interfacial Kinetic of Alloying Matrix for Stable Li Anodes

Severe lithium(Li)dendrite growth caused by the uneven overpotential deposition is a formidable challenge for high energy density Li metal batteries(LMBs).Herein,we investigate a synergetic interfacial kinetic to regulate Li deposition behavior and stabilize Li metal anode.Through constructing Li alloying matrix with a bi-functional silver(Ag)-Li_(3)N blended interface,fast Li^(+)conductivity and high Li affinity can be achieved simultaneously,resulting in both decreased Li nucleation and mass transfercontrolled overpotentials.Beyond these properties,a more important feature is demonstrated herein;that is,the inward diffusion depth of the Li adatoms inside of the Ag site can be restricted by the Li^(+)solvation structure in a highly coordinating environment.The latter feature can ensure the durability of the operational Ag sites,thereby elongating the Li protection ability of the Ag-Li_(3)N interface greatly.This work provides a deep insight into the synergetic effect of functional alloying structure and Li^(+)solvation mediated interfacial kinetic on Li metal protection.

Solid Electrolyte Interface in Zn-Based Battery Systems

Due to its high theoretical capacity(820 mAh g^(−1)),low standard electrode potential(−0.76 V vs.SHE),excellent stability in aqueous solutions,low cost,environmental friendliness and intrinsically high safety,zinc(Zn)-based batteries have attracted much attention in developing new energy storage devices.In Zn battery system,the battery performance is significantly affected by the solid electrolyte interface(SEI),which is controlled by electrode and electrolyte,and attracts dendrite growth,electrochemical stability window range,metallic Zn anode corrosion and passivation,and electrolyte mutations.Therefore,the design of SEI is decisive for the overall performance of Zn battery systems.This paper summarizes the formation mechanism,the types and characteristics,and the characterization techniques associated with SEI.Meanwhile,we analyze the influence of SEI on battery performance,and put forward the design strategies of SEI.Finally,the future research of SEI in Zn battery system is prospected to seize the nature of SEI,improve the battery performance and promote the large-scale application.

Structurally tunable characteristics of ionic liquids for optimizing lithium plating/stripping via electrolyte engineering

Electrolyte chemistry offers the opportunity to regulate the solid electrolyte interphase(SEI) and Li^(+)solvation,which is considered to be crucial to the growth of lithium crystals for safe lithium metal batteries(LMBs).Structurally tunable characteristics of ionic liquids(ILs) from anion type,cationic substituent chain length and cationic substituents,will contribute this field.Here,we explore the influence mechanism of imidazole-based ILs as electrolyte additives on Li+solvation and the formation of SEI.ILs can participate into the formation of efficient SEI,together with cathode electrolyte interphase(CEI).Moreover,ILs can also regulate the sheath structure of Li^(+)solvation,to fasten the kinetics of Li.Furthermore,the imidazole-based cations with long alkyl chain can form an electrostatic shield around newly formed Li nucleus,and suppress further Li plating at this site.Under the optimized condition,the 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide([OMIm]TFSI) additive shows the best ability to enhance the electrochemical performance,endowing the Li||Li symmetric cell with a stable life(over800 h) at 0.5 mA cm^(-2) and the Li||LiNi_(0.6)Mn_(0.2)Co_(0.2)O_(2)(NMC622) full cell with a high capacity of 141.7 mAh g^(-1) after 200 cycles at 0.5 C.

Understanding fluorine-free electrolytes via small-angle X-ray scattering

Fluorine-free electrolytes have attracted great attention because of its low-cost and environmental friendliness. However, so far, little is known about the solution structures of these electrolytes. Here,we compare the solvation phenomenon of sodium tetraphenylborate(NaBPh_(4)) salt dissolved in organic solvents of propylene carbonate(PC), 1,2-dimethoxyethane(DME), acetonitrile(ACN) and tetrahydrofuran(THF). Small-angle X-ray scattering(SAXS) reveals a unique two-peak structural feature in this saltconcentrated PC electrolyte, while solutions using other solvents only have one scattering peak.Molecular dynamics(MD) simulations further reveal that there are anion-based clusters in addition to the short-range charge ordering in the concentrated NaBPh4/PC electrolyte. Raman spectroscopy confirms the existence of considerable contact ion pairs(CIPs). This work emphasizes the importance of global and local structural analysis, which will provide valuable clues for understanding the structureperformance relationship of electrolytes.