Development of Safe and Sustainable Dual‐Ion Batteries Through Hybrid Aqueous/Nonaqueous Electrolytes

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, a new dual‐ion battery (DIB) concept based on an aqueous/non‐aqueous electrolyte is reported, combining high safety in the form of a nonflammable water‐in‐salt electrolyte, a high cathodic stability by forming a protective interphase on the negative electrode (non‐aqueous solvent), and improved sustainability by using a graphite‐based positive electrode material. Far beyond the anodic stability limit of water, the formation of a stage‐2 acceptor‐type graphite intercalation compound (GIC) of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (TFSI) anions from an aqueous‐based electrolyte is achieved for the first time, as confirmed by ex‐situ X‐ray diffraction. The choice of negative electrode material shows a huge impact on the performance of the DIB cell chemistry, i.e., discharge capacities up to 40 mAh g−1 are achieved even at a high specific current of 200 mA g−1. In particular, lithium titanium phosphate (LiTi2(PO4)3; LTP) and lithium titanium oxide (Li4Ti5O12; LTO) are evaluated as negative electrodes, exhibiting specific advantages for this DIB setup. In this work, a new DIB storage concept combining an environmentally friendly, transition‐metal‐free, abundant graphite positive electrode material, and a nonflammable water‐based electrolyte is established, thus paving the path toward a sustainable and safe alternative energy storage technology.