Suspension electrolyte with modified Li+ solvation environment for lithium metal batteries

Designing a stable solid-electrolyte interphase on a Li anode is imperative to developing reliable Li metal batteries. Herein, we report a suspension electrolyte design that modifies the Li+ solvation environment in liquid electrolytes and creates inorganic-rich solid-electrolyte interphases on Li. Li2O nanoparticles suspended in liquid electrolytes were investigated as a proof of concept. Through theoretical and empirical analyses of Li2O suspension electrolytes, the roles played by Li2O in the liquid electrolyte and solid-electrolyte interphases of the Li anode are elucidated. Also, the suspension electrolyte design is applied in conventional and state-of-the-art high-performance electrolytes to demonstrate its applicability. Based on electrochemical analyses, improved Coulombic efficiency (up to similar to 99.7%), reduced Li nucleation overpotential, stabilized Li interphases and prolonged cycle life of anode-free cells (similar to 70 cycles at 80% of initial capacity) were achieved with the suspension electrolytes. We expect this design principle and our findings to be expanded into developing electrolytes and solid-electrolyte interphases for Li metal batteries.

Automated summary

Designing a suspension electrolyte that modifies the Li+ solvation environment and creates inorganic-rich solid-electrolyte interphases on a Li anode has been achieved in this study. By investigating Li2O nanoparticles suspended in liquid electrolytes, the roles of Li2O in the electrolyte and interphases have been elucidated. The application of the suspension electrolyte design in conventional and advanced electrolytes has demonstrated improved performance and stability.