Development of Electrolytes under Lean Condition in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries stand out as one of the promising candidates for next-generation electrochemical energy storage technologies. A key requirement to realize high-specific-energy Li-S batteries is to implement low amount of electrolyte, often characterized by the electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratio. Low E/S ratio aggravates the known challenges for Li-S batteries and introduces new ones originated from the high concentration of polysulfides in limited electrolyte reservoir. In this review, the connections between the fundamental properties of electrolytes and the electrochemical/chemical reactions in Li-S batteries under lean electrolyte condition are elucidated. The emphasis is on how the solvating properties of the electrolyte affect the fate of polysulfides. Built upon the mechanistic analysis, different strategies to design lean electrolytes to improve the overall process of Li-S reactions and Li anode protection are discussed.

Electrolyte Engineering with Carboranes for Next-Generation Mg Batteries.

To realize an energy storage transition beyond Li-ion competitive technologies, earth-abundant elements, such as Mg, are needed. Carborane anions are particularly well-suited to realizing magnesium-ion batteries (MIBs), as their inert and weakly coordinating properties beget excellent electrolyte performance. However, utilizing these materials in actual electrochemical cells has been hampered by the reliance on the Mg2+ salts of the commercially available [HCB11H11]- anion, which is not soluble in more weakly binding solvents apart from the higher glymes. Herein, we demonstrate it is possible to iteratively engineer the [HCB11H11]- anion surface synthetically to address previous solubility issues and yield a highly conductive (up to 7.33 mS cm-1) and electrochemically stable (up to +4.2 V vs Mg2+/0) magnesium electrolyte that surpasses the state of the art. This novel non-nucleophilic electrolyte exhibits highly dissociative behavior regardless of concentration and is tolerant of prolonged periods of cycling in symmetric cells at high current densities (up to 2.0 mA cm-2, 400 h). The hydrocarbon functionalized carborane electrolyte presented here demonstrates >96% Coulombic efficiency when paired with a Mo6S8 cathode. This approach realizes a needed candidate to discover next-generation cathode materials that can enable the design of practical and commercially viable Mg batteries.

Highly Reversible Chevrel Phase Mo6Se8 Cathode with Low Voltage Hysteresis for Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries.

Rechargeable aluminum (Al) batteries have attracted considerable interest as potential large-scale energy storage technologies due to the abundance, high theoretical capacity, and high safety of Al. We report here a highly reversible Al-Mo6Se8 prototype cell with low discharge-charge hysteresis (approximately 50 mV under 30 mA g-1 at 50 °C), ultra-flat discharge plateau, and exceptional cycle stability: the reversible capacity retaining at a steady 77 mA h g-1 after more than 1800 cycles. The Al intercalation-extraction mechanism is probed with ex situ and operando XRD techniques, revealing the reversible intercalation reaction from Mo6Se8 to Al4/3Mo6Se8. The stable electrochemical performance and unambiguous intercalation mechanism of the Al-Mo6Se8 system provide an alternative for beyond-lithium battery technologies.

Synergistic Transition-Metal Selenide Heterostructure as a High-Performance Cathode for Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries.

We synthesize and characterize a rechargeable aluminum battery cathode material composed of heterostructured Co3Se4/ZnSe embedded in a hollow carbon matrix. This heterostructure is synthesized from a metal-organic framework composite, in which ZIF-8 is grown on the surface of ZIF-67 cube. Both experimental and theoretical studies indicate that the internal electric field across the heterostructure interface between Co3Se4 and ZnSe promotes the fast transport of electron and Al-ion diffusion. As a result, the heterostructured Co3Se4/ZnSe demonstrates superior specific capacity and cycle stability compared to the single-phase Co3Se4 and ZnSe cathode materials.

Electrolytes in Organic Batteries.

Organic batteries using redox-active polymers and small organic compounds have become promising candidates for next-generation energy storage devices due to the abundance, environmental benignity, and diverse nature of organic resources. To date, tremendous research efforts have been devoted to developing advanced organic electrode materials and understanding the material structure-performance correlation in organic batteries. In contrast, less attention was paid to the correlation between electrolyte structure and battery performance, despite the critical roles of electrolytes for the dissolution of organic electrode materials, the formation of the electrode-electrolyte interphase, and the solvation/desolvation of charge carriers. In this review, we discuss the prospects and challenges of organic batteries with an emphasis on electrolytes. The differences between organic and inorganic batteries in terms of electrolyte property requirements and charge storage mechanisms are elucidated. To provide a comprehensive and thorough overview of the electrolyte development in organic batteries, the electrolytes are divided into four categories including organic liquid electrolytes, aqueous electrolytes, inorganic solid electrolytes, and polymer-based electrolytes, to introduce different components, concentrations, additives, and applications in various organic batteries with different charge carriers, interphases, and separators. The perspectives and outlook for the future development of advanced electrolytes are also discussed to provide a guidance for the electrolyte design and optimization in organic batteries. We believe that this review will stimulate an in-depth study of electrolytes and accelerate the commercialization of organic batteries.

Performance Leap of Lithium Metal Batteries in LiPF6 Carbonate Electrolyte by a Phosphorus Pentoxide Acid Scavenger.

Phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) is investigated as an acid scavenger to remove the acidic impurities in a commercial lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) carbonate electrolyte to improve the electrochemical properties of Li metal batteries. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements reveal the detailed reaction mechanisms of P2O5 with the LiPF6 electrolyte and its impurities, which removes hydrogen fluoride (HF) and difluorophosphoric acid (HPO2F2) and produces phosphorus oxyfluoride (POF3), OF2P-O-PF5- anions, and ethyl difluorophosphate (C2H5OPOF2) as new electrolyte species. The P2O5-modified LiPF6 electrolyte is chemically compatible with a Li metal anode and LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) cathode, generating a POxFy-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) that leads to highly reversible Li electrodeposition, while eliminating transition metal dissolution and cathode particle cracking. The excellent electrochemical properties of the P2O5-modified LiPF6 electrolytes are demonstrated on Li||NMC622 pouch cells with 0.4 Ah capacity, 50 µm Li anode, 3 mAh cm-2 NMC622 cathode, and 3 g Ah-1 electrolyte/capacity ratio. The pouch cells can be galvanostatically cycled at C/3 for 230 cycles with 87.7% retention.

Correction: Cesium carbonate mediated C-H functionalization of perhalogenated 12-vertex carborane anions.

Correction for 'Cesium carbonate mediated C-H functionalization of perhalogenated 12-vertex carborane anions' by Sergio O. Lovera et al., Chem. Commun., 2022, 58, 4060-4062, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CC00173J.

Cesium carbonate mediated C-H functionalization of perhalogenated 12-vertex carborane anions.

C-H functionalization of undecahalogenated carborane anions, [HCB11X11-] (X = Cl, Br, I), is performed with Cs2CO3 in acetonitrile. We show that the requisite Cl, Br and I carborane dianions can all be efficiently accessed with Cs2CO3. The utilization of Cs2CO3 eliminates the complications associated with competing E2 elimination reactions providing an efficient, more functional group tolerant, and broader scope than previously reported. The ensuing functionalized cages provide potential synthons for constructing advanced materials and other molecular architectures for various applications.

Enabling Magnesium Anodes by Tuning the Electrode/Electrolyte Interfacial Structure.

A new deposition mechanism is presented in this study to achieve highly reversible plating and stripping of magnesium (Mg) anodes for Mg-ion batteries. It is known that the reduction of electrolyte anions such as bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI-) causes Mg surface passivation, resulting in poor electrochemical performance for Mg-ion batteries. We reveal that the addition of sodium cations (Na+) in Mg-ion electrolytes can fundamentally alter the interfacial chemistry and structure at the Mg anode surface. The molecular dynamics simulation suggests that Na+ cations contribute to a significant population in the interfacial double layer so that TFSI- anions are excluded from the immediate interface adjacent to the Mg anode. As a result, the TFSI- decomposition is largely suppressed so does the formation of passivation layers at the Mg surface. This mechanism is supported by our electrochemical, microscopic, and spectroscopic analyses. The resultant Mg deposition demonstrates smooth surface morphology and lowered overpotential compared to the pure Mg(TFSI)2 electrolyte.

Cathode-Electrolyte Interfacial Processes in Lithium∥Sulfur Batteries under Lean Electrolyte Conditions.

The implementation of a low electrolyte/sulfur (E/S) ratio is essential to achieving high specific energy for lithium∥sulfur (Li∥S) batteries. In reality, however, the lean electrolyte condition results in low achievable capacity and inferior cyclability. In this study, we probe the interfacial processes on the sulfur cathode under the lean electrolyte condition using operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and a galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT). The operando EIS reveals a significant and rapid increase in the charge-transfer resistance during the transition from high-order polysulfides to low-order ones at a low E/S ratio, which is induced by a kinetic bottleneck at the interphase due to Li-ion mass transfer limitation. The GITT results confirm the kinetic bottleneck by revealing a large discharge overpotential during the transition phase. We further demonstrate that improving the adsorption of dissolved high-order polysulfides, a key step in the interfacial processes, can alleviate the kinetic limitation, thus enhancing the achievable capacity under the lean electrolyte condition.

Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Aluminum Hexafluorophosphate.

We report the first synthesis of aluminum hexafluorophosphate (Al(PF6)3) and its electrochemical properties in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The single crystal structure of the synthesized Al(PF6)3 is revealed as [Al(DMSO)6](PF6)3, and 0.25 M Al(PF6)3 in DMSO with high ionic conductivity is obtained. The purity of this electrolyte was further confirmed with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. We then demonstrated the reversibility of Al deposition-stripping in this electrolyte using scanning electron microscopy and an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profiling study. The parasitic reaction involving DMSO decomposition during Al deposition is also identified via gas chromatography/electron ionization mass spectrometry.

Origin of the Giant Enhanced Raman Scattering by Sulfur Chains Encapsulated inside Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes.

In this work, we explain the origin and the mechanism responsible for the strong enhancement of the Raman signal of sulfur chains encapsulated by single-wall carbon nanotubes by running resonance Raman measurements in a wide range of excitation energies for two nanotube samples with different diameter distributions. The Raman signal associated with the vibrational modes of the sulfur chain is observed when it is confined by small-diameter metallic nanotubes. Moreover, a strong enhancement of the Raman signal is observed for excitation energies corresponding to the formation of excited nanotube-chain-hybrid electronic states. Our hypothesis was further tested by high pressure Raman measurements and confirmed by density functional theory calculations of the electronic density of states of hybrid systems formed by sulfur chains encapsulated by different types of single-wall carbon nanotubes.

Stability of Calcium Ion Battery Electrolytes: Predictions from Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Multivalent batteries, such as magnesium-ion, calcium-ion, and zinc-ion batteries, have attracted significant attention as next-generation electrochemical energy storage devices to complement conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Among them, calcium-ion batteries (CIBs) are the least explored due to difficult reversible Ca deposition-dissolution. In this work, we examined the stability of four different Ca salts with weakly coordinating anions and three different solvents commonly employed in existing battery technologies to identify suitable candidates for CIBs. By employing Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) simulations on salt-Ca and solvent-Ca interfaces, we find that the tetraglyme solvent and carborane salt are promising candidates for CIBs. Due to the strong reducing nature of the calcium surface, the other salts and solvents readily decompose. We explain the microscopic mechanisms of salt/solvent decomposition on the Ca surface using time-dependent projected density of states, time-dependent charge-transfer plots, and climbing-image nudged elastic band calculations. Collectively, this work presents the first mechanistic assessment of the dynamical stability of candidate salts and solvents on a Ca surface using BOMD simulations, and provides a predictive path toward designing stable electrolytes for CIBs.

Interfaces in rechargeable magnesium batteries.

This minireview provides a concise overview on the development of electrolytes for rechargeable magnesium (Mg) batteries. It elucidates the intrinsic driving force of the evolution from Grignard-based electrolytes to electrolytes based on simple Mg salts. Additional discussion includes the key electrochemical processes at the interfaces in Mg electrolytes, with a focus on unaddressed issues and future research directions.

Properties of Thin Lithium Metal Electrodes in Carbonate Electrolytes with Realistic Parameters.

To understand the baseline performance of lithium (Li) anode in liquid electrolytes, the electrochemical and physical properties of the Li anode are studied with realistic parameters, including thin thickness (50 µm), practical areal capacity (1-4 mA h cm-2), practical areal current (0.5-2 mA cm-2), and low electrolyte/capacity ratio. Two different Li salts, lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), are used to probe the effects of the electrolyte chemistry and concentration. The cycling of Li/Li symmetric cells, combined with the scanning electron microscopic investigation, demonstrates that the soft-short of Li/Li cells is induced by the continuous volume expansion of Li electrodes during cycling instead of dendrites. The volume change of a Li electrode is dictated by the depth of deposition and stripping (i.e., areal capacity) and the electrolyte/capacity ratio, with no strong correlation with the type of Li salt and concentration. On the other hand, the average Coulombic efficiency (CE) measurement demonstrates inherent correlation with the type of Li salt and its concentration in the electrolyte. Li electrode surface chemical analysis indicates that the fluoride-rich surface layer formed in the LiPF6 electrolyte can be detrimental to both CE and Li deposition-stripping overpotential.

Room-Temperature Electrodeposition of Aluminum via Manipulating Coordination Structure in AlCl3 Solutions.

The coordination mechanism of chloroaluminate species in aluminum chloride (AlCl3) solutions in γ-butyrolactone (GBL) is investigated using electrochemical, spectroscopic, and computational methods. The liquid-state 27Al NMR spectroscopy shows a sequence of new species generated in the AlCl3-GBL solutions with increasing AlCl3/GBL ratio. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulation reveals the dynamic coordination process between GBL and AlCl3, and the resultant chloroaluminate species are identified as [AlCl2·(GBL)2]+, AlCl4-, AlCl3·GBL, and Al3Cl10-. The species are further confirmed by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy combined with calculated Raman spectra from methods based on density functional theory. Electrochemical deposition of Al is achieved from the AlCl3-GBL solution containing Al3Cl10-, which is one of the few noneutectic electrolytes for room-temperature Al deposition reported to date.

Comparative Study of Mg(CB11H12)2 and Mg(TFSI)2 at the Magnesium/Electrolyte Interface.

An essential requirement for electrolytes in rechargeable magnesium-ion (Mg-ion) batteries is to enable Mg plating-stripping with low overpotential and high Coulombic efficiency. To date, the influence of the Mg/electrolyte interphase on plating and stripping behaviors is still not well understood. In this study, we investigate the Mg/electrolyte interphase from electrolytes based on two Mg salts with weakly coordinating anions: magnesium monocarborane (Mg(CB11H12)2) and magnesium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (Mg(TFSI)2). Cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry of Mg plating-stripping demonstrate significantly lower overpotential in the Mg(CB11H12)2 electrolyte than in Mg(TFSI)2 under the same condition. Surface characterizations including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy clearly demonstrate the superior chemical and electrochemical stability of the Mg(CB11H12)2 electrolyte at the Mg surface without noticeable interphase formation. On the other hand, characterizations of the Mg/electrolyte interface in the Mg(TFSI)2 electrolyte indicate the formation of magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfide, and magnesium fluoride as the interfacial compounds resulting from the decomposition of TFSI- anions because of both chemical reduction by Mg and cathodic reduction during Mg deposition.

Teaching an old dog new tricks: new directions in fundamental and applied closo-carborane anion chemistry.

This feature article covers new directions in the fundamental and applied chemistry of the closo-carborane anions [HCB11H11]- and [HCB9H9]-, as well as some related chemistry with the dicarbolide ion [H2C2B9]2-. Specifically the manuscript will focus on summarizing the authors' as well as related novel contributions to the field. The application of such clusters as solution based electolytes for Mg batteries and related materials for ionic liquids will be discussed. In addition, the preparation of heterocycles and radicals fused to carborane anions will be discussed as well as various novel chemical transformations. Furthermore, new developments in anionic carboranyl phosphines and N-heterocyclic carbenes in the context of catalysis will be summarized.

Lithium Sulfide-Carbon Composites via Aerosol Spray Pyrolysis as Cathode Materials for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

We demonstrate a new technique to produce lithium sulfide-carbon composite (Li2S-C) cathodes for lithium-sulfur batteries via aerosol spray pyrolysis (ASP) followed by sulfurization. Specifically, lithium carbonate-carbon (Li2CO3-C) composite nanoparticles are first synthesized via ASP from aqueous solutions of sucrose and lithium salts including nitrate (LiNO3), acetate (CH3COOLi), and Li2CO3, respectively. The obtained Li2CO3-C composites are subsequently converted to Li2S-C through sulfurization by reaction to H2S. Electrochemical characterizations show excellent overall capacity and cycle stability of the Li2S-C composites with relatively high areal loading of Li2S and low electrolyte/Li2S ratio. The Li2S-C nanocomposites also demonstrate clear structure-property relationships.

Confined Lithium-Sulfur Reactions in Narrow-Diameter Carbon Nanotubes Reveal Enhanced Electrochemical Reactivity.

We demonstrate an unusual electrochemical reaction of sulfur with lithium upon encapsulation in narrow-diameter (subnanometer) single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Our study provides mechanistic insight on the synergistic effects of sulfur confinement and Li+ ion solvation properties that culminate in a new mechanism of these sub-nanoscale-enabled reactions (which cannot be solely attributed to the lithiation-delithiation of conventional sulfur). Two types of SWNTs with distinct diameters, produced by electric arc (EA-SWNTs, average diameter 1.55 nm) or high-pressure carbon monoxide (HiPco-SWNTs, average diameter 1.0 nm), are investigated with two comparable electrolyte systems based on tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TEGDME) and 1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxacyclopentadecane (15-crown-5). Electrochemical analyses indicate that a conventional solution-phase Li-S reaction occurs in EA-SWNTs, which can be attributed to the smaller solvated [Li(TEGDME)]+ and [Li(15-crown-5)]+ ions within the EA-SWNT diameter. In stark contrast, the Li-S confined in narrower diameter HiPco-SWNTs exhibits unusual electrochemical behavior that can be attributed to a solid-state reaction enabled by the smaller HiPco-SWNT diameter compared to the size of solvated Li+ ions. Our results of the electrochemical analyses are corroborated and supported with various spectroscopic analyses including operando Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and first-principles calculations from density functional theory. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the controlled solid-state lithiation-delithiation of sulfur and an enhanced electrochemical reactivity can be achieved by sub-nanoscale encapsulation and one-dimensional confinement in narrow-diameter SWNTs.