A Superior Carbonate Electrolyte for Stable Cycling Li Metal Batteries Using High Ni Cathode

Li metal batteries pairing Li metal anode with high-nickel layer structured oxide cathode are a promising energy storage technology to achieve high energy density. To obtain long cycling life for Li metal batteries, the electrolyte plays a pivotal role in stabilizing both the Li metal anode and the high-nickel cathode upon electrochemical cycling. Herein, we report a carbonate electrolyte that enables a Li parallel to Li-Ni0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 pouch cell to achieve a high gravimetric energy density of 366 Wh/kg and unprecedented cycling stability with 80% capacity retention after 335 cycles. The F-19 quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and interface characterization demonstrate that FEC and LiDFOB can reduce the consumption rate of each other and the electrolyte, form a robust LiF-rich SEI on Li metal anode, and improve the microstructure integrity of the high-nickel cathode.

Automated summary

A carbonate electrolyte is reported to enable high gravimetric energy density and cycling stability in Li metal batteries paired with a high-nickel cathode. The electrolyte reduces the consumption rate and forms a robust LiF-rich SEI on the Li metal anode, improving the integrity of the high-nickel cathode.