The Role of Electrolyte Composition in Enabling Li Metal-Iron Fluoride Full-Cell Batteries

FeF3 conversion cathodes, paired with Li metal, are promising for use in next-generation secondary batteries and offer a remarkable theoretical energy density of 1947 Wh kg(-1) compared to 690 Wh kg(-1) for LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4; however, many successful studies on FeF3 cathodes are performed in cells with a large (>90-fold) excess of Li that disguises the effects of tested variables on the anode and decreases the practical energy density of the battery. Herein, it is demonstrated that for full-cell compatibility, the electrolyte must produce both a protective solid-electrolyte interphase and cathode-electrolyte interphase and that an electrolyte composed of 1:1.3:3 (m/m) LiFSI, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether fulfills both these requirements. This work demonstrates the importance of verifying electrode level solutions on the full-cell level when developing new battery chemistries and represents the first full cell demonstration of a Li/FeF3 cell, with both limited Li and high capacity FeF3 utilization.

Automated summary

FeF3 conversion cathodes show high theoretical energy density and potential for application, but previous studies were conducted with excess lithium, which did not accurately reflect the cathode's influence on battery performance. This study demonstrates the importance of considering the electrolyte's impact on full-cell performance and achieves the first full-cell demonstration of a Li/FeF3 battery.