Fluorine chemistry in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries

Abstract

As the peculiar element in the Periodic Table of Elements, fluorine gas owns the highest standard electrode potential of 2.87 V vs. F-, and a fluorine atom has the maximum electronegativity. Benefiting from the prominent property, fluorine plays an important role in the development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) in terms of cathode materials (transition metal fluorides, fluorinated polyanionic compounds), electrolytes, and interfaces. In cathode materials, the highly electronegative renders enhanced ionic character of transition metal fluorine bonds and correspondingly high working potential in electrolytes; fluorinated electrolytes possess good antioxidant ability and flame retardance, which can significantly improve the thermal safety of a battery. On an electrode-electrolyte interface, the fluorine-rich inorganic component (such as LiF and NaF) is essential for the formation of a robust and stable solid electrolyte interface on anodes. Despite the remarkable advances achieved in fluorinated cathodes, electrolytes, and interfaces, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding of the function of fluorides in LIBs and SIBs. Accordingly, this review briefly summarized the recent progress of fluorine-based electrodes, electrolytes, and interfaces and highlighted the correlation between the composition, property, and function to reveal the fluorine chemistry in LIBs and SIBs. This review will provide guidance for the rational design and targeted regulation of fluorine-dominated high-performance electrode materials, functionalized electrolytes, and consolidated interfaces.