Tuning steric hindrance of cyclic ether electrolytes enables high-voltage lithium metal batteries.

Ether-based electrolytes are known for their high stability with lithium metal anodes (LMAs), but they often exhibit poor high-voltage stability. Structural optimization of ether-based solvent molecules has been proven to effectively broaden the electrochemical window of these electrolytes, yet the optimization rules within cyclic ethers remain unclear. Herein, we investigate the impact of methyl substitution positions on the molecular properties of 1,3-dioxolane (DOL), a commonly used cyclic ether.

Stable cyclic ether as an electrolyte additive for high-performance lithium metal batteries.

Introducing a methyl group into 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) to obtain a stable cyclic ether, 4-methyl-1,3-dioxolane (4-Me DOL), allows it to be used as an additive in LiPF-based carbonate electrolytes. The addition of 4-Me DOL can form a stable SEI with good Li transport ability, which can simultaneously improve the rate capability and cycling performance of lithium metal batteries.

Fullerenol as a nano-molecular sieve additive enables stable zinc metal anodes.

Aqueous zinc batteries (AZBs) with the advantages of safety, low cost, and sustainability are promising candidates for large-scale energy storage devices. However, the issues of interface side reactions and dendrite growth at the zinc metal anode (ZMA) significantly harm the cycling lifespan of AZBs. In this study, we designed a nano-molecular sieve additive, fullerenol (C(OH)), which possesses a surface rich in hydroxyl groups that can be uniformly dispersed in the aqueous solution, and captures free water in the electrolyte, thereby suppressing the occurrence of interfacial corrosion.

A bifunctional surfactant-like electrolyte additive for a stable lithium metal anode.

Nonafluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride (NtF) was developed as a bifunctional additive for enhancing the stability of the lithium metal anode. NtF can yield Nt and LiF. The presence of lithiophobic and lithiophilic groups in Nt facilitates the uniform deposition of Li, while LiF contributes to forming a stable solid electrolyte interphase.

Reactivation of an air-passivated lithium metal anode through halogen regulation.

A comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the failure mechanism of the lithium metal anode (LMA) in air. Simultaneously, an effective reactivation strategy was developed using halogen regulation. Specifically, iodine treatment converts the passivation layer of the exposed Li into LiI with fast Li transport ability, thereby improving the electrochemical performance.