Electrolyte-dependent formation of solid electrolyte interphase and ion intercalation revealed by in situ surface characterizations

Abstract

The formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and ion intercalation are two key processes in rechargeable batteries, which need to be explored under dynamic operating conditions. In this work, both planar and sandwich model lithium batteries consisting of Li metal | ionic liquid electrolyte | graphite electrode have been constructed and investigated by a series of in situ surface analysis platforms including atomic force microscopy, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is found that the choice of electrolyte, including the concentration and contents, has a profound effect on the SEI formation and evolution, and the subsequent ion intercalation. A smooth and compact SEI is preferably produced in high-concentration electrolytes, with FSI− salt superior to TFSI− salt, facilitating the lithiation/delithiation to achieve high capacity and excellent cycle stability, while suppressing the co-intercalation of electrolyte solvent ions. The innovative research scenario of well-defined model batteries in combination with multiple genuinely in situ surface analysis methods presented herein leads to insightful results, which provide valuable strategies for the rational design and optimization of practical batteries, and energy storage devices in general.