Rejuvenating Propylene Carbonate-based Electrolyte Through Nonsolvating Interactions for Wide-Temperature Li-ions Batteries

The advancements of lithium-ion batteries indubitably call for advanced electrolytes with superior environmental adaptability and long-term stability. Propylene carbonate (PC) proves to be a competitive solvent with the high permittivity and wide-liquid range, while the application is intrinsically hindered by the poor graphite compatibility and high viscosity. Here, a PC-based electrolyte with wide-temperature range is developed by tuning the strength and topology of the Li+-PC interactions via non-solvating interactions without altering the solvation structure. Thus, the problem of graphite exfoliation caused by Li+-PC co-intercalation can be successfully mitigated. Consequently, such electrolyte shows compatibility with both graphite and high-nickel cathode, exhibiting an expanded liquid range from -90 to 90 degrees C. This work, breaking from the traditional EC-based formula, provides a new strategy for designing PC-enabled electrolyte featuring high performance, wide-temperature compatibility, and sustainability

Automated summary

A PC-based electrolyte with wide-temperature range has been developed by tuning the interactions between lithium ions and propylene carbonate, successfully mitigating the problem of graphite exfoliation caused by co-intercalation. This electrolyte shows compatibility with both graphite and high-nickel cathode, exhibiting an expanded liquid range.