Stable Electrolyte Research Articles

Solvation Regulation of Non‐Flammable Polymer Deep Eutectic Electrolytes with Reinforced Inorganic‐Rich Interphase toward Long‐Cycle Lithium Metal Batteries

AbstractLithium dendrites and flammable carbonate electrolytes present significant challenges to the progress of lithium metal batteries (LMBs), necessitating the urgent development of novel solid electrolytes. Herein, a non‐flammable polymer deep eutectic electrolyte (PDEE) is proposed by encapsulating N‐methylacetamide (NMA)‐based deep eutectic electrolytes within a polymer framework formed by ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate (ETPTA) via in situ polymerization. The robust Li+‐solvent interaction between the polar groups in NMA and lithium nitrate (LiNO3) significantly improves the solubility of LiNO3. Therefore, an inorganic‐rich LiF, LixN, and LiNxOy solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is designed by introducing LiNO3 and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) into PDEE. The comprehensive characterizations and simulations reveal that moderate LiNO3 addition can modulate the solvated structure of Li+ and result in uniform lithium deposition. The PDEE‐2 (PDEE with 2 wt% LiNO3) exhibits high ionic conductivity (2.5 mS cm−1 at 25 °C) and high Li+ transference number (0.61). The Li||LiFePO4 (LFP) cells maintain cycling stability for 1700 cycles at 2 C, and Li||Ni0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2(NCM811) cells achieve 300 cycles at 0.5 C with a capacity retention of 86.7%, one of the best results for eutectic‐based polymer electrolytes. This study presents an innovative method for producing stable polymer electrolytes and encourages the utilization of LMBs.

Trace NaBF4 Modulated Ultralow‐Concentration Ether Electrolyte for Durable High‐Voltage Sodium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractUltralow‐concentration ether electrolytes hold great promise for cost‐effective sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), while their inferior cycle stability under high voltages remains an awkward challenge. Herein, ultralow‐concentration diglyme (G2)‐based electrolytes with single sodium salt are found to manifest high‐rate capability when employed for high‐voltage Na3(VOPO4)2F (NVOPF) cathode, but their specific capacity rapidly depletes to exhaustion during long‐term cycling. To address this issue, trace NaBF4 (0.03 m) as electrolyte additive is introduced, which minimally affects ion conductivity of the pristine electrolyte, yet weakens the coordination between Na+ ions and G2 molecules. This allows more PF6− to enter the solvation sheath of Na+ ions, forming a more stable cathode electrolyte interphase and enhancing the cycle performance without sacrificing high‐rate performance (up to 20 C). As a result, the trace NaBF4 modulated G2‐based electrolyte enables the NVOPF cathode to cycle steadily, with a capacity retention of 94.2% over 1000 cycles at a low rate of 1 C. This work provides valuable insights into the modulation of ultralow‐concentration ether electrolytes for use in durable high‐voltage SIBs.

Unlocking Sulfide Solid-State Battery Longevity by the Paradigm of Dual-Functional Plastic Crystal.

The utilization of sulfide-based solid electrolytes represents an attractive avenue for high safety and energy density all-solid-state batteries. However, the potential has been impeded by electrochemical and mechanical stability at the interface of oxide cathodes. Plastic crystals, a class of organic materials exhibiting remarkable elasticity, chemical stability, and ionic conductivity, have previously been underutilized due to their susceptibility to dissolution in liquid electrolytes. Nevertheless, their application in all-solid-state batteries presents a paradigm that could potentially overcome longstanding interface-related obstacles. This study presents a facile approach to enhancing the performance of sulfide-based solid-state batteries by utilizing nickel-rich oxide cathodes coated with ionically conductive plastic crystals. For employing plastically deformed succinonitrile as a metal ion ligand, it simultaneously supports mechanical stability and interfacial conduction, while LiDFOB establishes moderate ionic conductivity and a stable cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). The synergistic effects of these mechanisms culminate in remarkable long-term performance metrics, with the capacity retaining 80% after 1529 cycles. Furthermore, this stability is maintained even when the areal capacity density is increased to a substantial 3.53 mA h cm-2. By combining electrochemical stability with mechanical plasticity, this approach opens possibilities for the development of long-lasting solid-state batteries suitable for practical applications.

An electrochromic alginate fiber based on a W18O49/PEDOT:PSS composite layer.

In this experiment, we studied a technique that permits the continuous fabrication of electrochromic alginate fibers because there hasn't been much research on electrochromic alginate fibers. Therefore, it's important to investigate ways to increase the application areas of alginate fibers. AgNP‑calcium alginate fibers with high electrical conductivity were prepared by Ag+ substitution method. Electrochromic alginate fibers were successfully prepared by sequentially coating the fibers with PEDOT:PSS, W18O49, and PVDF:HFP to form a W18O49/PEDOT:PSS composite color-changing layer and a PVDF:HFP stable electrolyte layer. Fifty electrochromic alginate fibers with a length of 7cm were tested, and their resistance values ranged from 2 to 12Ω, of which 78% were between 3 and 8Ω, providing excellent electrical conductivity. In the electrolyte from 0.1V to -0.7V, the color of the fiber changes from the original state to the colored state in only 5s. Ten minutes after the voltage is disconnected, the color changes to the original color of the AgNP-Calcium Alginate fibers and the color change are reversible. The solid fibers can change from light blue to dark blue and the color change is uniform in the upright and bent state. This study lays a solid research foundation for the industrial production and intelligent application of electrochromic alginate fibers.

Untangling the potential of non-entangled bottlebrush block copolymers as separator coating materials for high-rate and long-life sodium metal batteries

A bottlebrush block copolymer (BBP) coating on conventional separators enables the development of high-performance sodium (Na) metal batteries by regulating stable Na electrodeposition and electrolyte–electrode interphases.

Manganese cobalt sulfide-doped fibrous sulfurized polyacrylonitrile for high-rate and long-life lithium–sulfur batteries

Manganese cobalt sulfide-doped fibrous sulfurized polyacrylonitrile with an increased graphitization degree and stable cathode electrolyte interphase shows fast electronic and ionic conductivity and improved kinetics.

Highly conductive and stable electrolytes for solid oxide electrolysis and fuel cells: fabrication, characterisation, recent progress and challenges

Solid oxide electrolyser (SOE) technology emerges as a promising alternative, typified by high-efficiency water-splitting capability and lower cost for large-scale hydrogen production. Electrolytes are the critical part of SOECs and SOFCs, which affect the performance and operation temperatures.

Cerebral salt wasting syndrome following a traumatic frontal lobe hematoma : A case report

BACKGROUND Cerebral Salt Wasting Syndrome (CSWS) is a rare complication of intracranial pathology characterized by hyponatremia and extracellular volume depletion. It is often confused with other sodium and water balance disorders, such as Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion (SIADH) and Central Diabetes Insipidus (CDI), making early diagnosis and appropriate management crucial. CASE PRESENTATION We present the case of a 68-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus who suffered a traumatic frontal lobe hemorrhagic contusion following a fall. The patient developed polyuria and hyponatremia on the 6th day of admission, initially misdiagnosed as CDI and treated with desmopressin. However, despite treatment, his urine output continued to rise, and hyponatremia persisted. Subsequent evaluations, including urine and serum osmolarity, high urinary sodium levels, and imaging studies, led to the diagnosis of CSWS. Treatment was adjusted to include intravenous isotonic saline and fludrocortisone, significantly reducing urine output and correcting serum sodium levels. The patient was successfully discharged on the 25th day with stable electrolyte levels. CONCLUSION This case highlights the diagnostic challenges in differentiating CSWS from other sodium balance disorders, particularly CDI, in patients with traumatic brain injury. It emphasizes the importance of careful monitoring of urine and serum biochemistry, fluid status, and clinical progression to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management. Early recognition and appropriate therapy for CSWS, including sodium and fluid replacement, can prevent further complications and improve patient outcomes.

Advanced Lithium Batteries and Fast-Charging Technology: Challenges and Future Directions

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are essential for advancing electric vehicles (EVs) and consumer electronics, offering high energy density and fast-charging capabilities. Nanotechnology, like incorporating polyaniline-modified graphene composites (PMGCs), has significantly enhanced ion diffusion and electron conductivity. However, key challenges persist, including thermal management, solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer growth, and charger compatibility. Safety concerns, such as thermal runaway caused by ohmic losses, underscore the need for advanced battery management systems (BMS) and innovative electrolytes. Solid-state batteries (SSBs) present a promising future with higher safety and energy density, yet they are still under development. During the transition, optimizing LIBs through material improvements and charging technologies will be vital to maintaining their market dominance. Enhancing safety measures, including better BMS and more stable electrolytes, is crucial for the continued application of LIBs in EVs, portable devices, and other high-demand sectors. These strategies will ensure LIBs remain competitive until SSBs are commercially viable.

Stabilizing SPAN in Non‐flammable Acetonitrile Electrolytes for Long‐Life Graphite||SPAN Batteries

Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) presents an opportunity to replace elemental sulfur as a “shuttle‐free” cathode for secondary Li‐S batteries, which can be an ideal choice for stationary energy storage due to its abundance, low cost, and sustainability. The electrolyte options for the state‐of‐the‐art SPAN batteries have been limited to the flammable carbonate and ether ones, which raises safety concerns. Here, we explored the use of a non‐flammable acetonitrile (AN) electrolyte for SPAN battery for the first time and identified the irreversible cleavage of C−S bonds of SPAN as the main reason for the failure of SPAN in AN electrolyte. Fortunately, by introducing 10 wt% fluoroethylene carbonate into the AN electrolyte, the bond cleavage in SPAN is suppressed and a stable cathode electrolyte interface is formed, both contributing to stabilizing the structure of SPAN during electrochemical process. Consequently, we achieved a stable cycling for 900 cycles in Li||SPAN cells. Moreover, by pairing with a pre‐lithiated graphite (pGr) anode, the newly formulated electrolyte enables extended cycle life for 1500 cycles with a capacity retention of 91% and superb safety in pGr||SPAN full cell. The present exploitation broadens the electrolyte choices of SPAN‐based batteries and paves the way for future applications for these batteries.

Stabilizing SPAN in Non-Flammable Acetonitrile Electrolytes for Long-Life Graphite||SPAN Batteries.

Sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) presents an opportunity to replace elemental sulfur as a "shuttle-free" cathode for secondary Li-S batteries, which can be an ideal choice for stationary energy storage due to its abundance, low cost, and sustainability. The electrolyte options for the state-of-the-art SPAN batteries have been limited to the flammable carbonate and ether ones, which raises safety concerns. Here, we explored the use of a non-flammable acetonitrile (AN) electrolyte for SPAN battery for the first time and identified the irreversible cleavage of C-S bonds of SPAN as the main reason for the failure of SPAN in AN electrolyte. Fortunately, by introducing 10 wt % fluoroethylene carbonate into the AN electrolyte, the bond cleavage in SPAN is suppressed and a stable cathode electrolyte interface is formed, both contributing to stabilizing the structure of SPAN during electrochemical process. Consequently, we achieved a stable cycling for 900 cycles in Li||SPAN cells. Moreover, by pairing with a pre-lithiated graphite (pGr) anode, the newly formulated electrolyte enables extended cycle life for 1500 cycles with a capacity retention of 91 % and superb safety in pGr||SPAN full cell. The present exploitation broadens the electrolyte choices of SPAN-based batteries and paves the way for future applications for these batteries.

Water-Stable Al(III) Coordination Polymer Glass with High Proton Conductivity toward Stable Electrolytes in a Fuel Cell

Water-Stable Al(III) Coordination Polymer Glass with High Proton Conductivity toward Stable Electrolytes in a Fuel Cell

Starfish-Inspired Solid-State Li-ion Conductive Membrane with Balanced Rigidity and Flexibility for Ultrastable Lithium Metal Batteries.

The performance of solid-state lithium-metal batteries (SSLMB) is often constrained by the low ionic conductivity, narrow electrochemical window, and insufficient mechanical strength of polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based electrolytes. Inspired by the soft-outside, rigid-inside structure of starfish, we designed multifunctional "starfish-type" composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) using electrospinning technology. These CPEs feature a three-dimensional rigid skeleton network composed of polyacrylonitrile/metal-organic frameworks/ionic liquids (PAN/MOFs/ILs), creating continuous and efficient Li+ transport channels: MOFs impart rigidity, PEO acts as a cushioning outer layer to enhance interfacial compatibility, and ILs reduce interfacial resistance. The resulting CPEs exhibited excellent ionic conductivity (4.37×10-4 S cm-1), a wide electrochemical window (5.34 V), uniform lithium-ion flux, and a high transference number (0.69). Leveraging these synergistic advantages, the Li/CPEs/Li symmetric cell demonstrated outstanding dendrite suppression for over 1300 hours, and the LiFePO4/CPEs/Li cell retained 90.1 % capacity after 2100 cycles at 1.0 C, which is the best performance reported for SSLMB with MOF/PEO. The formation of multi-component solid-electrolyte interphase and its role in stabilizing lithium metal cycling were systematically elucidated through theoretical simulations and spectroscopic analysis. This nature-inspired design provides a promising strategy for the development of stable solid-state electrolytes with extended lifespans.

Antiplasmodial Potentials, Phytocompounds, and the Possible Toxic Effects of Administration of Ethylacetate Extract of Spondias mombin Linn.

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, is a global health concern. Natural products, such as plant extracts, are investigated for new antimalarial agents. Spondias mombin, traditionally used for medicinal purposes, was examined for its effects on parasitemia, hematological parameters, antioxidant activities, liver function biomarkers, and serum electrolytes in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. Mice received varying doses of the ethylacetate extract. Various dosages of the extract and the prescribed medication dramatically slowed the parasite's growth. The extract significantly improved red blood cell (RBC) and platelet counts, particularly at higher doses. Hemoglobin levels were decreased dose-dependently. Antioxidant analysis showed increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating robust antioxidant properties. Liver function tests showed mixed effects, with elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TB) levels at some doses, yet decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at the highest dose, suggesting possible hepatoprotective effects. Serum electrolyte levels remained stable. Seventy-eight (78) bioactive components were identified in the extract by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The extract demonstrated substantial antimalarial and antioxidant capacities, with minimal liver stress and stable electrolyte levels, suggesting safety as an adjunct therapy for malaria. Further research is needed to ascertain the specific antimalarial bioactive constituents and their mechanisms of action.

Shielding Fluoride Ion Basicity through Diurea Coordination for Nonaqueous Fluoride Shuttle Batteries

AbstractThe strong basicity of fluoride ions leads to detrimental nucleophilic attack on organic components in the electrolytes, such as β‐hydrogen elimination reactions with organic cations and solvents, converting “naked” F− into corrosive and unstable bifluoride (HF2−) ions. These reactions significantly constrain the choice of suitable solvents and salts to develop electro(chemical) stable fluoride ion electrolytes. In this work, we replaced the triple water ligands typically present in industrial organic fluoride salts with dual 1,3‐diphenylurea (DPU) coordination via hydrogen bonding interaction. This modification successfully suppressed the Lewis basicity of fluoride ions, providing long‐term chemical stability (over 1000 hours) across a wide range of aprotic solvents, a broadened electrochemical stability window (−2.5–0.9 V vs. Ag+/Ag) and high ionic conductivity (1.7 mS cm−1) at room temperature. Additionally, the weaker hydrogen bonding in F−‐DPU coordination, compared to the conventional boron‐based anion acceptor (AA) strategy that relies on intensive Lewis acid‐base interactions, facilitates faster (de)fluorination kinetics at the electrode. The proposed room temperature fluoride ion batteries sustain improved electrochemical performance by pairing with the Pb‐PbF2 anode and BiF3 or Ag cathode.

Shielding Fluoride Ion Basicity through Diurea Coordination for Nonaqueous Fluoride Shuttle Batteries.

The strong basicity of fluoride ions leads to detrimental nucleophilic attack on organic components in the electrolytes, such as β-hydrogen elimination reactions with organic cations and solvents, converting "naked" F- into corrosive and unstable bifluoride (HF2 -) ions. These reactions significantly constrain the choice of suitable solvents and salts to develop electro(chemical) stable fluoride ion electrolytes. In this work, we replaced the triple water ligands typically present in industrial organic fluoride salts with dual 1,3-diphenylurea (DPU) coordination via hydrogen bonding interaction. This modification successfully suppressed the Lewis basicity of fluoride ions, providing long-term chemical stability (over 1000 hours) across a wide range of aprotic solvents, a broadened electrochemical stability window (-2.5-0.9 V vs. Ag+/Ag) and high ionic conductivity (1.7 mS cm-1) at room temperature. Additionally, the weaker hydrogen bonding in F--DPU coordination, compared to the conventional boron-based anion acceptor (AA) strategy that relies on intensive Lewis acid-base interactions, facilitates faster (de)fluorination kinetics at the electrode. The proposed room temperature fluoride ion batteries sustain improved electrochemical performance by pairing with the Pb-PbF2 anode and BiF3 or Ag cathode.

Imidazolium-Based Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Fluoride Ion Batteries.

The fluoride-ion battery (FIB) is a post-lithium anionic battery that utilizes the fluoride-ion shuttle, achieving high theoretical energy densities of up to 1393 Wh L-1 without relying on critical minerals. However, developing liquid electrolytes for FIBs has proven arduous due to the low solubility of fluoride salts and the chemical reactivity of the fluoride ion. By introducing a chemically stable electrolyte based on 1,3-dimethylimidazolium [MMIm] bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide [TFSI] and tetramethylammonium fluoride (TMAF), we achieve an electrochemical stability window (ESW) of 4.65 V, ionic conductivity of 9.53 mS cm -1, and a solubility of 0.67 m. The origin of this high solubility and the solvation structure were investigated using NMR spectroscopy and neutron total scattering, showing a fluoride solvation driven by strong electrostatic interactions and weak hydrogen bonding without covalent H-F character. This indicates the chemical stability of 1,3-dimethylimidazolium toward the fluoride ion and its potential as an electrolyte for high-voltage FIBs.

Machine Intelligence-Accelerated Optimization of All-Temperature Aqueous Electrolyte for Stable Zn-Ion Batteries

Rechargeable aqueous batteries are the leading candidate to meet the surging demand for safe and low-cost energy storage systems. To achieve their development, the optimization of aqueous electrolyte for wide electrochemical stability window (ESW) and stable electrolyte/electrode interfaces is crucial. However, the selection of salts and solvents is critical to dictate the ultimate performance of Zn-ion batteries. Conventional approach requires trial-and-error optimization experiments, which is time-consuming and laborious. Herein, we show an integrated workflow that combines robotics and machine learning to accelerate the optimization of all temperature stable aqueous electrolyte with programmable ESW, ionic conductivity, and electrolyte/electrode interface stability. First, an automated pipetting robot is commanded to prepare 557 electrolyte mixtures using 2 salts (ZnCl2 and Zn(OTf)2) and 2 solvents (water and methanol). After equilibration/stabilization at 30 °C, the solubility of the electrolyte mixtures is evaluated to train a support-vector machine classifier. Next, through active learning loops with data augmentation, 60 electrolyte solutions are prepared/evaluated, establishing an artificial neural network prediction model. The achieved model is capable of two main functions: (1) predicting the electrochemical performance of an electrolyte solution based on its formulation, and (2) conducting multi-objective optimization on electrolytes to identify stable electrolytes with high Coulombic efficiency, rate performance, and interfacial stability. The model-suggested electrolyte with wide ESW, high conductivity, and stable electrolyte/electrode interfaces deliver ultrahigh cyclic stability in Zn||Zn symmetric cells, as well as outstanding capacity retention, fast charge/discharge capability, and excellent efficiency in full cells. The fusion of robotics-accelerated experimentation, machine intelligence, and simulation tools facility the discovery of electrolytes that involve time-intensive experiments and multi-dimensional design spaces.

Compositional Development and Characterization of Mixed Glass Former Oxy-Sulfide Materials for an Electrochemically Stable Glassy Solid Electrolyte

Glassy solid electrolytes (GSE) for all-solid-state sodium-ion batteries have the potential to combine the low cost of sodium, the improved energy density and safety of solid-state batteries, and the excellent processability of glass in one system. The 0.54 Na2S + 0.33 SiS2 + 0.06 PS5/2 + 0.06 NaPO3 (NaPSiSO-15) GSE was shown to be a promising candidate for a thin-film glassy solid electrolyte, with a room temperature conductivity of 3.2 x 10-5 S/cm, a critical current density of 0.80 mA-hr/cm2, and the capability to be drawn into films thinner than 100 μm. However, this composition was found to have sulfur defect structures that proved problematic for use in cathode applications, reacting to form Na2S. To resolve this problem, new glass compositions with reduced sodium-to-glass former ratios (R-value) were developed, exploring compositions between R=2.0 and R=3.0. The structure of these compositions was explored using Raman, Fourier transformed infrared, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Their electrochemical behavior was also characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. These results were used to find a composition without the defects found at high R-values and avoid crystallization seen at lower R-values.

Design Principles for Improved Electrochemical Performance and Stability of Nonaqueous Mg-Electrolytes

Discovery of stable and efficient electrolytes that are compatible with magnesium metal anodes and high-voltage cathodes is crucial to enabling energy storage technologies that can move beyond existing Li-ion systems. Many promising electrolytes for magnesium anodes have been proposed with chloride as a co-anion that helps with reversible plating and stripping, however, Cl-containing electrolytes lack the oxidative stability required by high-voltage cathodes. We have previously demonstrated as a proof-of-principle that an oxygen-containing co-anion with higher oxidative stability (triflate) can be used as a co-anion to replace Cl–, albeit, with higher plating/stripping overpotentials (1). Given that Cl– has a higher tendency to bind to Mg2+ than triflate, in this work we focus on anions beyond halides with higher anion association strength in order to minimize these overpotentials. For this purpose, we employed a theory-guided screening approach to sample a wide chemical space and enable targeted synthesis of new salts. Based on the DFT-predicted anion association strengths, we identified alkoxide-based salts as a new family of co-anions with very favorable binding properties and oxidative stability. In order to probe the applicability of these co-anions in magnesium batteries, we have performed electrochemical evaluation using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic stripping and plating. We demonstrate that the addition of computationally-predicted alkoxide co-anions to a weakly coordinating electrolyte containing Mg(TPFA)2 (TPFA = tetrakis(perfluoro-tert-butoxy)aluminate) results in significantly lower stripping overpotentials (up to ~400 mV). We further show that there is a correlation between the stripping overpotential and the anion association strength, where alkoxides that have higher tendencies for Mg binding exhibit lower overpotential. Finally, the applicability of newly developed electrolytes was probed using half-cell battery testing, where we observe improved Coulombic efficiency and lower plating/stripping overpotentials. Collectively, this work outlines design principles for new electrolyte discovery and opens a new class of stable salts for next-generation magnesium batteries.