Research Progress of Liquid Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries at High Temperatures

Abstract

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are the most promising high energy density energy storage technologies for electric vehicles, military, and aerospace applications. LMBs require further improvement to operate efficiently when chronically or routinely exposed to high temperatures. Electrolyte engineering with high temperature tolerance and electrode compatibility has been essential to the development of LMBs. In this review, the primary obstacles to achieving high‐temperature LMBs are first explored. Subsequently, electrolyte tailoring options, such as lithium salt optimization, solvation structure modification, and the addition of additives are reviewed in detail. In addition, the feasibility of utilizing LMBs at high temperatures has been investigated. In conclusion, this study provides insights and perspectives for future research on electrolyte design at high temperatures.

A comprehensive review on liquid electrolyte design for low-temperature lithium/sodium metal batteries

“…140 Wu et al crafted a medium concentration electrolyte – 2.4 M LiFSI-dimethyl carbonate (DMC)/FEC (9 : 1) containing the FEC additive. 141 The highly dissociated LiFSI, in conjunction with FEC, fostered the formation of a SEI interface dominated by inorganic compounds such as Li–O and Li–F on the lithium metal anode. It is commonly acknowledged that the SEI enriched in inorganic compounds can promote the transportation and desolvation of Li + , thereby realizing the stable operation of LMBs at low temperature.…”

Extending the Low-Temperature Operation of Lithium-Metal Batteries Combining LiNO3-Based Eutectic Additive and 3D Lithium-Metal Anode

“…A higher capacity and operating voltage of the cell can be achieved by replacing the graphite anode with a Li-metal anode. This finding is ascribed to Li metal anode’s ultrahigh theoretical capacity of 3860 mAh g –1 with the lowest redox potential (−3.04 V vs the standard hydrogen electrode). − However, the development of high-performance LMBs with a low operating temperature, especially in traditional carbonate electrolytes, is highly challenging for two reasons. First, the inherent defects of the Li anode incur serious problems, such as the highly reactivity of Li metal with organic electrolyte and hostless features with infinite volume change during Li plating/stripping processes. − Second, at low temperatures, the poor ionic conductivity and freezing of carbonate electrolytes significantly impede every stage of charge transfer, from ionic diffusion within the electrolyte and ionic transport through the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) .…”

Molecular Engineering Enabled Stable Deep Eutectic Amide-Based Electrolyte for High-Temperature Lithium–Metal Batteries

“…Lithium–metal batteries (LMBs) using metallic lithium as the anode have recently gained significant attention as advanced energy storage devices because of their high energy density. − However, the practical application of LMBs is hindered by the instability of the Li/electrolyte interface, where concurrent parasitic reactions and dendrite growth would cause a safety issue and performance deterioration, such as low Coulombic efficiency and poor cycle life. − The rational design of electrolytes has the potential to enhance the electrochemical performance of LMBs, enabling them to meet various requirements of the future market. − However, routine electrolytes have severe side reactions and begin to decompose at high temperatures. − …”