Li-graphite fluoride (CF x ) primary batteries show the highest energy density (2180 Wh kg− 1) among commercialized Li primary batteries, long life storage, and wide operating temperature range, and are the power sources for medical equipment, stand-alone devices, remote keyless systems, and space crafts. Recently, Li-CF x cells could be used as secondary batteries1 and are attracting attention as next-generation storage batteries with high energy density. Current problems of conventional Li-CF x batteries are safety issues due to using flammable organic electrolytes and short cycle life originated from oxidative decomposition of organic solvents while using as secondary batteries. In this study, we focused on the application of ionic liquids which shows nonvolatile, nonflammable, and wide electrochemical potential window. However, there had been no previous reports of Li-CF x battery operation using ionic liquids.In Li-CF x primary batteries with organic electrolytes, solvent and Li+ co-intercalate into CF x layer to form an intermediate product and that decomposes to LiF and amorphous carbon (intermediate mechanism).2 Because of the strong interaction between organic solvent and Li+, the solvated Li+ can diffuse into the bulk of the CF x . The slow desolvation within the CF x layer contributes to the small and dispersed crystallization of LiF, and CF x can react completely.3 In the case of ionic liquids, however, Li+ and CF x may react directly due to the lack of solvent, resulting in localized crystallization of LiF, inhibiting subsequent Li+ intercalation and preventing CF from reacting completely.Therefore, in this study, we focused on shortening the diffusion distance of Li+ and made the CF x particles finer to submicron size and the electrochemical reaction of CF x with Li+ ions were successfully carried out completely in ionic liquids. In this presentation, we will report the fundamentals on the electrochemical reactions of CF x electrodes in ionic liquids, including how the components of ionic liquids influence on the electrode potential of CF x . The realization of Li-CF x batteries using ionic liquids will expand the range of applications with batteries at the environments (undersea, subterranean, and outer space) where conventional batteries have been difficult to be used. Y. Ito, et al., Chem. Mater., 34, 19, 8711, (2022).H. Touhara, et al., Solid State Ionics, 14, 163 (1984).J. Wang, J. Mater. Chem. A, 8, 6105 (2020).
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