Electrolyte additive enabled fast charging and stable cycling lithium metal batteries

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 2017 · Nature Energy

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/nenergy.2017.12· OSTI ID:1346291

Zheng, Jianming; Engelhard, Mark H.; Mei, Donghai; Jiao, Shuhong; Polzin, Bryant J.; Zhang, Ji-Guang; Xu, Wu

Lithium (Li) metal battery is an attractive energy storage system owing to the ultrahigh specific capacity and the lowest redox potential of Li metal anode. However, safety concern associated with dendrite growth and limited cycle life especially at a high charge current density are two critical challenges hindering the practical applications of rechargeable Li metal batteries. Here, we report for the first time that an optimal amount (0.05 M) of LiPF6 as additive in the LiTFSI-LiBOB dual-salt/carbonate-based electrolyte can significantly enhance the charging capability and the long-term cycle life of Li metal batteries with a moderately high cathode loading of 1.75 mAh cm-2. Unprecedented stable-cycling (97.1% capacity retention after 500 cycles) along with very limited increase in electrode over-potential has been achieved at a high current density of 1.75 mA cm-2. This unparalleled fast charging and stable cycling performance is contributed from both the stabilized Al cathode current collector, and, more importantly, the robust and conductive SEI layer formed on Li metal anode in the presence of the LiPF6 additive.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1346291
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA--119349; 48379; VT1201000
• Journal Information: Nature Energy, Journal Name: Nature Energy Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 2; ISSN 2058-7546
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory
Li metal batteries
LiPF6 additive
LiTFSI-LiBOB dual-salt
charging capability