Surface film formation on a graphite negative electrode in lithium-ion batteries: AFM study on the effects of co-solvents in ethylene carbonate-based solutions

In situ AFM observation of the basal plane of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was performed before and after cyclic voltammetry in 1 mol dm⁻³ LiClO₄ dissolved in ethylene carbonate (EC), EC+diethyl carbonate (DEC), and EC+dimethyl carbonate (DMC) to clarify the effects of co-solvents in EC-based solutions on surface film formation on graphite negative electrodes in lithium-ion cells. In each solution, surface film formation involved the following two different processes: (i) intercalation of solvated lithium ions and their decomposition beneath the surface; and (ii) direct decomposition of solvent molecules on the basal plane to form a precipitate layer. The most remarkable difference among these solvent systems was that solvent co-intercalation took place more extensively in EC+DEC than in EC+DMC or EC. Raman analysis of ion-solvent interactions revealed that a lithium ion is solvated by three EC molecules and one DEC molecule in EC+DEC, whereas it is solvated exclusively by EC in EC+DMC and in EC, which suggested that the presence of linear alkyl carbonates in the solvation shell of lithium ion enhance the degree of solvent co-intercalation that occurs in the initial stage of the surface film formation.     

Ethylene carbonate/ether mixed solvents electrolyte for lithium batteries

Conductivities and Li charge—discharge efficiencies for LiClO₄ethylene carbonate (EC)/ether mixed solvents systems were studied, compared with those for propylene carbonate (PC)/ether and EC/PC/ether mixed solvents electrolytes, for use in nonaqueous lithium secondary batteries. As the ethers, tetrahydrofuran (THF), 1,2-dimethoxyethane, diethoxyethane and 1,3-dioxolane were used. Conductivities for EC/ether mixed systems were higher than those for both EC/PC/ether and PC/ether mixed systems, due to the high dielectric constant for EC and low viscosity for ethers. Conductivities showed maximum values around EC/ether mixing volume ratio = 1/1 and at about 1 M solute. For example 1 M LiClO₄EC/THF (1/1) showed approximately 40% higher conductivity, 14 × 10^?3 S cm^?1, than for PC/THF. Li charge—discharge efficiencies for EC/ether mixed systems also increased more than those for EC/PC/ether and PC/ether. This seems to be due to adsorption of less Li reactive ether and EC than PC, around deposited Li. In the same solute—solvents systems, Li cycling efficiencies for EC/eether mixed systems tended to increase Li cycling efficiency of 92%. This value was approx. 10% higher than for PC/THF.     

Lithium cycling efficiency and conductivity for high dielectric solvent/low viscosity solvent mixed systems

Lithium cycling efficiency on a lithium substrate (Li-on-Li cycling) and conductivity for various mixed solvent systems of high dielectric solvent (HDS) and low viscosity solvent (LVS) were examined for secondary lithium batteries. For the HDS, sulfolane, dimethylsulfoxide, γ-lactones, propylene carbonate (PC) and ethylene carbonate (EC) were used. For the LVS, tetrahydrofuran (THF), 2-methyl-THF, 1,2-dialkoxyethanes and 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) were used. For the solute, LiAsF₆, LiBF₄, LiCF₃CO₃ and LiClO₄ were used. Lithium cycling efficiencies newly measured on a Li substrate (E_a) for EC/LVS or PC/LVS were ca 5% or 15% higher than those previously obtained by simple cycling of Li on a Pt substrate, while the order of Li cycling efficiencies to LVS change is similar in both cases, except for EC/DOL or PC/DOL. The reasons seem to be that the Li-on-Li cycling minimizes the influence of electrochemical Li/Pt alloying and partial solvent oxidation during the cycle on Li cycling efficiency. The E_a values in HDS/LVS mixed systems incorporating LiAsF₆ or LiClO₄ tended to increase with a decrease in the reactivity to Li, of not only LVS but also HDS. EC/THF systems incorporating LiAsF₆ or LiClO₄ showed high E_a values of ca 95% even by Li-on-Li cycling, the value being higher than those (ca 92%) for LiBF₄ or LiCF₃SO₃ systems. In addition, for all the HDS/LVS mixed systems examined in this work, conductivities were higher than those for HDS or LVS single solvent systems. In regard to both conductivity and Li cycling efficiency, HDS/LVS mixed systems are considered to be effective in various lithium battery applications.     

Shuttle inhibitor effect of lithium perchlorate as an electrolyte salt for lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄), used as an electrolyte salt for lithium–sulfur batteries, has been shown to give rise to the effective inhibition of the chemical polysulfide shuttle and thereby to enhance the coulombic efficiency through the stabilized charge process. In 1,2-dimethoxy ethane (DME)/1,3-dioxolane (DOL) (50:50 by volume), LiClO₄ showed the lowest charge-transfer resistance among the various lithium salts studied and demonstrated the highest coulombic efficiency with an extreme reduction in the polysulfide shuttle. The origin of this behavior is considered to be the rapid formation of a passivation layer on the surface of the lithium metal anode. Hence, as well as being a good electrolyte salt in itself, LiClO₄ is shown to be an effective polysulfide shuttle inhibitor.     

Ternary and quaternary mixed electrolytes for lithium cells

This paper reports the influence of composition of mixed solvent electrolyte composition on the discharge capacity and charge–discharge cycle life of lithium metal/amorphous V2O5–P2O5 (95:5 in molar ratio) cells. The solvents used were ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2MeTHF) and THF. LiAsF6 was used as the solute. The electrolyte solutions examined here contain ternary and quaternary mixed systems. The purpose of this work is to obtain an electrolyte solution which realizes a higher rate capability and/or a longer cycle life than the previously studied EC:PC:2MeTHF (15:70:15) ternary mixed system. Of the electrolyte systems examined here, the EC:PC:2MeTHF (30:40:30 in volume) ternary mixed solvent system showed the best cell performance. In addition, a heating test was carried out on an AA- size lithium cell with EC:PC:2MeTHF (30:40:30) as a fundamental abuse test to ensure cell safety.     

Polymer electrolytes based on poly(ethylene glycol) and cyanoresin

Polymer electrolytes based on a mixed polymer matrix consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and cyanoresins with lithium salt and plasticizer were prepared with an in situ blending process to improve both the mechanical properties and the ionic conductivity (σ). The PEG/lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) complexes, including blends of cyanoethyl pullulan (CRS) and cyanoethyl poly(vinyl alcohol) (CRV), exhibited higher σ's than a simple PEG/LiClO₄ complex when the blend compositions of CRS/CRV were 5 : 5 or 3 : 7 or than CRV alone. When the CRS/CRV blend was compared with a copolymer of cyanoethyl pullulan and cyanoethyl poly(vinyl alcohol) (CRM) in the same molar ratio, the σ values of the polymer electrolytes containing the CRM copolymer series were slightly higher than those of the CRS/CRV blends containing PEG/LiClO₄ complexes. Moreover, the addition of cyanoresin to PEG/LiClO₄/(ethylene carbonate–propylene carbonate) polymer electrolytes provided better thermal stability and dynamic mechanical properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2402–2408, 2007     

Investigating the effect of interaction behavior on the ionic conductivity of Polyester/LiClO4 blend systems

We describe the interaction behavior between Polyester and Li⁺ that affects the ionic conductivity on binary electrolyte of lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) blends with Poly(ethylene adipate), (PEA); Poly(1,4-butylene adipate), (PBA); Poly(1,6- hexamethylene adipate), (PHA); and Polycarprolatone (PCL), respectively. The individual four binary blend systems are similar and fully miscible, a different ionic conductivity exists in the binary Polyester electrolyte system corresponds to the result of the different interactions strength between lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) and various Polyesters. The lithium ion is able to coordinate with more functional groups of PEA polymer chain than that in other three polyester chains. Both DSC and FTIR studies demonstrate that the ability of PEA to donate its electron to coordinate with Li⁺ is significantly stronger than that of PBA, PHA and PCL. Consequently, the maximum ionic conductivity (1.06 × 10^?5 S cm^?1) at ambient temperature (30 °C) occurred at a composition of PEA/LiClO₄ (90/10).It is further found that the ionic conductivity of Polyester electrolyte is not only dependent on the electron donation strength of carbonyl group, but also on the molecular structure of Polyester.     

Ethylene carbonate—propylene carbonate mixed electrolytes for lithium batteries

Electrolytic characteristics of propylene carbonate (PC)ethylene carbonate (EC) mixed electrolytes were studied, compared with those in PC electrolytes. Conductivity and Li charge—discharge efficiency values increased with EC contents increasing. For example, 1 M LiClO₄ECPC (EC mixing molar ratio; [EC]/[PC] = 4) showed the conductivity of 8.5 ohm^?1 cm^?1, which value was 40% higher than that in PC. Also, 1 M LiClO₄ECPC([EC]/[PC] = 5) showed the Li charge—discharge efficiency of 90.5% at 0.5 mA cm^?2, 0.6 C cm^?2, which value was ca. 25% higher than that in PC. ECPC mixed electrolytes were considered to be practically available for ambient lithium batteries in regard to the high Li⁺ ion conductivity and also high Li charge—discharge efficiency.     

The electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur batteries with LiClO4 DOL/DME electrolyte

The electrochemical performance of lithium–sulfur batteries with LiClO₄ DOL/DME as electrolyte was investigated. Impedance and SEM analysis indicated that too high content of DME(Dimethoxy ethane) in electrolyte could raise the interfacial resistance of battery due to the impermeable layer formed on the surface of the sulfur cathode, which led to bad cycle performance, while the increase of DOL(1,3-dioxolane) could change those phenomena. The optimal composition of electrolyte was DME:DOL = 2:1 (v/v). With this electrolyte, the lithium–sulfur battery obtained a high initial discharge capacity of 1,200 mA h g^?1 and still remained 800 mA h g^?1 after 20 cycles.     

Mass transport in lithium-battery solvents

We describe and implement a microelectrode procedure for the determination of important transport properties required for the evaluation of liquid electrolytes used in lithium-based batteries. Three solvents of interest (propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, and diethyl carbonate) and two lithium salts (lithium hexafluorophosphate and lithium perchlorate) are investigated. In addition, by combining microelectrode and radiometric analyses, we are able to characterize fully the transport phenomena in the nonaqueous solvent + salt systems. Thus a radiometric technique is used to monitor solvent transport, both under diffusion and current-passage conditions, and the solvent diffusion coefficient is reported as a function of salt concentration.     

Ionic conductivity of hybrid films based on polyacrylonitrile and their battery application

The alternate current (AC) and direct current (DC) ionic conductivity of hybrid films composed of polyacrylonitrile (PAN), lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄), and a plasticizer was studied. Three kinds of the plasticizer [ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)] were used. Suitability of these hybrid films for lithium battery was investigated. The AC conductivity, which represents bulk ionic conductivity, was dependent on the component and the composition of the hybrid films, ranging from 10^?4?10^?8 Scm^?1. The AC conductivity was mainly determined by the molar ratio of [plasticizer]/[LiClO₄] in the hybrid films and increased with the increase in this ratio. The effect of the plasticizer on the enhancement in the AC conductivity was in the following order. DMF>EC>PC. The hybrid films with both electrodes of lithium showed the stable DC conductivity of about 1/10 of the AC conductivity, except for the hybrid films containing DMF. The hybrid films were found to be effective as a lithium ionic conductor. The galvanic cell. Li/sample/MnO₂, at the discharge current density of 90 μA/cm² showed the stable electromotive force of about 3 V for 70 h.     

Preferential Solvation of Indomethacin in Some Aqueous Co-Solvent Mixtures

The preferential solvation parameters for indomethacin (IMC) in ethanol (EtOH) + water and propylene glycol (PG) + water binary mixtures were obtained from their thermodynamic properties by means of the inverse Kirkwood–Buff integrals (IKBI) and the quasi-lattice quasi-chemical (QLQC) methods. According to IKBI method, the preferential solvation parameter by co-solvents, (δx_1,3), is negative in the water-rich mixtures of both binary systems but positive in the other compositions at temperatures of 293.15, 303.15, and 313.15 K. It is conjecturable that in water-rich mixtures the hydrophobic hydration around the aromatic rings and methyl groups of the drug plays a relevant role in the solvation. The higher drug solvation by co-solvent in mixtures of similar solvent proportion and in co-solvent-rich mixtures could be due mainly to polarity effects. Here IMC would be acting as a Lewis acid with the EtOH or PG molecules because these co-solvents are more basic than water.     

Characterization of PEO-PAN hybrid solid polymer electrolytes

Hybrid solid polymer electrolytes (HSPE) of high ionic conductivity were prepared using polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), propylene carbonate (PrC), ethylene carbonate (EC), and LiClO₄. These electrolyte films were dry, free standing, and dimensionally stable. The HSPE films were characterized by constructing symmetrical cells containing nonblocking lithium electrodes as well as blocking stainless steel electrodes. Studies were made on ionic conductivity, electrochemical reaction, interfacial stability, and morphology of the films using alternating current impedance spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The properties of HSPE were compared with the films prepared using (i) PEO, PrC, and LiClO₄; and (ii) PAN, PrC, EC, and LiClO₄. The specific conductivity of the HSPE films was marginally less. Nevertheless, the dimensional stability was much superior. The interfacial stability of lithium was similar in the three electrolyte films. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65: 2191–2199, 1997     

Microwave dielectric relaxation and molecular dynamics in binary mixtures of poly(propylene glycol) 2000 and poly(ethylene glycol)s of varying molecular weight in dilute solution

Molecular dynamics of binary mixtures of poly(propylene glycol) (PPG) and poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) of varying molecular weight due to molecular interactions, chain coiling and elongation in dilute solution under various conditions, ie varying number of monomer units of PEG, method of mixing of polymers and solvent environment, has been explored using microwave dielectric relaxation times. The average relaxation time τ_o, relaxation time corresponding to segmental motion τ₁ and group rotations τ₂, of a series of binary mixtures of poly(propylene glycol) 2000 and poly(ethylene glycol) of varying molecular weight (ie PPG 2000 + PEG 200, PPG 2000 + PEG 300, PPG 2000 + PEG 400, and PPG 2000 + PEG 600 mixed by equal volume in the pure liquid states, and PPG 2000 + PEG 1500, PPG 2000 + PEG 4000 and PPG 2000 + PEG 6000 mixed equal weights in solvent) have been determined in dilute solution in benzene and carbon tetrachloride at 10.10 GHz and 35 °C. A comparison of the results of these binary systems of highly associating molecules shows that the molecular dynamics corresponding to rotation of a molecule as a whole and segmental motion in dilute solutions are governed by the solvent density when the solutes are mixed in their pure liquid state. Furthermore, the molecular motion is independent of solvent environment when the polymers are added separately in the solvent for the preparation of binary mixtures. It has also been observed that there is a systematic elongation of the dynamic network of the species formed during mixing of pure liquid polymers in lighter environment of solvent with increasing PEG monomer units, while the elongation behaviour of the same species in the heavier environment of carbon tetrachloride solvent is in contrast to the elongation behaviour of the polymeric species formed in pure PEG. The role of rotating methyl side‐groups in the PPG molecular chain has been discussed in term of the breaking and reforming of hydrogen bonds in complex polymeric species for the segmental motion. In all these mixtures, the relaxation time corresponding to group rotations is independent of the solvent environment and constituents of the binary mixtures. The effect of chain flexibility and coiling in these binary mixtures is discussed by comparing the relaxation times of the mixtures with their individual relaxation times in dilute solutions measured earlier in this laboratory. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Gel electrolytes with ionic liquid plasticiser for electrochromic devices

The comparative performance of conducting polymer electrochromic devices (ECDs) utilising gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) plasticised with ethylene carbonate/propylene carbonate or (N-butyl-3-methylpyridinium trifluoromethanesulphonylimide (P₁₄TFSI) has been made. Lithium perchlorate and lithium trifluoromethanesulphonylimide salts were used in the GPEs to provide enhanced ionic conductivity and inhibit phase separation of the polyethyleneoxide (PEO) and plasticiser. ECDs were assembled from cathodically colouring, polyethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT), and anodically colouring, polypyrrole (PPy), conducting polymer electrochromes deposited by vapour deposition. The photopic contrast switching over the visible light spectrum, switching speeds and device stability of the ECDs were obtained. These studies demonstrate that the ionic liquid (IL) plasticised GPEs are a suitable replacement for pure IL based devices and volatile organic solvent plasticisers based upon ethylene carbonate/propylene carbonate mixtures.     

Compatibility of quaternary ammonium-based ionic liquid electrolytes with electrodes in lithium ion batteries

Electrochemical intercalation/deintercalation behavior of lithium into/from electrodes of lithium ion batteries was comparatively investigated in 1 mol/L LiClO₄ ethylene carbonate-diethyl carbonate (EC-DEC) electrolyte and a quaternary ammonium-based ionic liquid electrolyte. The natural graphite anode exhibited satisfactory electrochemical performance in the ionic liquid electrolyte containing 20 vol.% chloroethylenene carbonate (Cl-EC). This is attributed to the mild reduction of solvated Cl-EC molecules at the graphite/ionic electrolyte interface resulting in the formation of a thin and homogenous SEI on the graphite surface. However, rate capability of the graphite anode is poor due to the higher interfacial resistance than that obtained in 1 mol/L LiClO₄/EC-DEC organic electrolyte. Spinel LiMn₂O₄ cathode was also electrochemically cycled in the ionic electrolyte showing satisfactory capacity and reversibility. The ionic electrolyte system is thus promising for 4 V lithium ion batteries based on the concept of “greenness and safety”.     

Ion and solvent diffusion and ion conduction of PC-DEC and PC-DME binary solvent electrolytes of LiN(SO2CF3)2

Two binary mixed solvent systems typically used for lithium batteries were studied by measuring the self-diffusion coefficients of the solvent, lithium ion and anion, independently by using the multi-nuclear pulsed field-gradient spin-echo (PGSE) , and NMR method. One system was propylene carbonate (PC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC) system and the other binary system was PC and 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), and the lithium salt used was LiN(SO₂CF₃)₂ (LiTFSI). The relative ratio of the PC was changed from zero (pure DME and DEC) to 100% (pure PC) in the DME-PC and the DEC-PC systems, respectively. The self-diffusion coefficients of the solvents were measured with and without the lithium salt, and the two solvents had almost the same diffusion coefficient in the DEC-PC system, while DME diffused faster than PC in the DME-PC system. In the electrolytes the solvents diffused the fastest, followed by the anion with the lithium ion diffusing the slowest. The degree of ion dissociation was estimated for each electrolyte by comparing the ionic conductivities estimated from the ion diffusion and those measured directly by the electrochemical method.     

Organic electrolytes for corrosion testing of aluminium and Al-Li binary alloys

The electrochemical behavior of high purity aluminium and Al-Li alloy has been investigated in various organic environments. Various lithium- and aluminium-compatible solvents were considered before selecting propylene carbonate (PC) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) with addition of either chloride or perchlorate ions. THF finally proved to be the most suitable solvent for these tests. The aluminium dissolution reaction in a THF environment is fast and reversible. The Al/Al(III) couple can therefore be used as a reference electrode. Aluminium salts can be reduced by lithium, making the Li/Li⁺ couple unsuitable for the reference electrode. The voltammograms obtained show voltage characteristics (protective potentialE _p and breakdown potentialE _b) similar to those found in aqueous environments. The voltage variations recorded by potentiometric measurements could be associated with changes in the alloy surface state.     

High flash point electrolyte for use in lithium-ion batteries

The high flash point solvent adiponitrile (ADN) was investigated as co-solvent with ethylene carbonate (EC) for use as lithium-ion battery electrolyte. The flash point of this solvent mixture was more than 110 °C higher than that of conventional electrolyte solutions involving volatile linear carbonate components, such as diethyl carbonate (DEC) or dimethyl carbonate (DMC). The electrolyte based on EC:ADN (1:1 wt) with lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF₄) displayed a conductivity of 2.6 mS cm⁻¹ and no aluminum corrosion. In addition, it showed higher anodic stability on a Pt electrode than the standard electrolyte 1 M lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) in EC:DEC (3:7 wt). Graphite/Li half cells using this electrolyte showed excellent rate capability up to 5C and good cycling stability (more than 98% capacity retention after 50 cycles at 1C). Additionally, the electrolyte was investigated in NCM/Li half cells. The cells were able to reach a capacity of 104 mAh g⁻¹ at 5C and capacity retention of more than 97% after 50 cycles. These results show that an electrolyte with a considerably increased flash point with respect to common electrolyte systems comprising linear carbonates, could be realized without any negative effects on the electrochemical performance in Li-half cells.     

Cycling performance and safety of rechargeable lithium cells with binary and ternary mixed solvent electrolytes

The influence of electrolyte composition on the cycling performance and safety of AA rechargeable cells with a lithium metal anode, and an amorphous (a-) V₂O₅-P₂O₅ cathode was examined. The cells were cycled at a discharge current of 1000 mA and a charging current of 200 mA. The electrolytes were composed of ethylene carbonate (EC)/2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2MeTHF) binary and EC/propylene carbonate (PC)/2MeTHF ternary mixed solvents containing 40–70 vol% 2MeTHF to provide higher conductivity. The solute was 1.5mol dm^–3 LiAsF₆. The cycle life of the AA cells was evaluated by setting the end of cycle life at the cycle number where the discharge capacity fell to 50% of its maximum value. Cells with EC/2MeTHF (50:50) exhibited the longest cycle life among all the electrolytes examined here. Cells with EC/PC/2MeTHF (15:45:40) had the longest cycle life among the ternary mixed solvents systems. Fundamental abuse tests were also carried out on AA cells, which were cycled twice (fresh cells), cycled 100 times and cycled until the end of their cycle life. Neither the fresh nor the cycled cells with EC/PC/2MeTHF (15:45:40 ) smoked nor ignited in a 150 °C heating test or in an external short circuit test. However, the fresh cell with EC/2MeTHF (50:50) ignited in the 150 °C heating test. Summarizing the cycling and the abuse test results, the EC/PC/2MeTHF (15:45:40) ternary mixed systems exhibited the best performance. However, in terms of practical use, cell safety still requires further improvement.