Compatibility of Lithium Salts with Solvent of the Non-Aqueous Electrolyte in Li–O₂ Batteries

Journal Article · Wed Feb 20 04:00:00 EST 2013 · Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. PCCP (Print)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1039/c3cp50500f· OSTI ID:1072849

Du, Peng ^[1]; Lu, Jun ^[1]; Lau, Kah Chun ^[1]; Luo, Xiangyi ^[2]; Bareno, Javier ^[1]; Zhang, Xiaoyi ^[1]; Ren, Yang ^[1]; Zhang, Zhengcheng ^[1]; Curtiss, Larry A. ^[1]; Sun, Yang-Kook ^[1]; Amine, Khalil ^[1]

---

1. Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
2. Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States); Univ. of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (United States)

The stability of lithium salts, especially in the presence of reduced oxygen species, O₂ and H₂ O (even in a small amount), plays an important role in the cyclability and capacity of Li–O₂ cells. This combined experimental and computational study provides evidence that the stability of the electrolyte used in Li–O₂ cells strongly depends on the compatibility of lithium salts with solvent. In the case of the LiPF₆-1NM3 electrolyte, the decomposition of LiPF₆ occurs in the cell as evidenced by in situ XRD, FT-IR and XPS analysis, which triggers the decomposition of 1NM3 solvent due to formation of HF from the decomposition of LiPF₆. These reactions lead to degradation of the electrolyte and cause poor cyclability of the cell. The same reactions are not observed when LiTFSI and LiCF₃SO₃ are used as the lithium salts in 1NM3 solvent, or LiPF₆ is used in TEGDME solvent.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States); Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1072849
• Journal Information: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. PCCP (Print), Journal Name: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics. PCCP (Print) Journal Issue: 15 Vol. 15; ISSN 1463-9076
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory