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Title: Stabilizing polymer electrolytes in high-voltage lithium batteries

Journal Article · · Nature Communications

Electrochemical cells that utilize lithium and sodium anodes are under active study for their potential to enable high-energy batteries. Liquid and solid polymer electrolytes based on ether chemistry are among the most promising choices for rechargeable lithium and sodium batteries. However, uncontrolled anionic polymerization of these electrolytes at low anode potentials and oxidative degradation at working potentials of the most interesting cathode chemistries have led to a quite concession in the field that solid-state or flexible batteries based on polymer electrolytes can only be achieved in cells based on low- or moderate-voltage cathodes. Here, we show that cationic chain transfer agents can prevent degradation of ether electrolytes by arresting uncontrolled polymer growth at the anode. We also report that cathode electrolyte interphases composed of preformed anionic polymers and supramolecules provide a fundamental strategy for extending the high voltage stability of ether-based electrolytes to potentials well above conventionally accepted limits.

Research Organization:
Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
Beijing Institute of Collaboratory Innovation (BICI); Cornell Center for Materials Research (CCMR); Florida State University (FSU); National Science Foundation (NSF); State of Florida; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0001086
OSTI ID:
1624171
Journal Information:
Nature Communications, Journal Name: Nature Communications Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 10; ISSN 2041-1723
Publisher:
Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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