Next generation lithium-ion batteries with higher energy densities and wider operating temperature windows are needed to usher in new applications in electrified transport. While anode and cathode chemistries exist that push the frontier in lithium-ion batteries, electrolyte development has lagged behind. For example, all Li-ion batteries today use carbonate-based solvents. Unfortunately, these carbonate-based electrolytes struggle when used at high temperatures and continuously react with energy-dense graphite-silicon composite anodes. While other classes of electrolytes such as ethers exist, they suffer from solvent co-intercalation when used with graphite-based anodes, leading to low energy densities and graphite exfoliation. Here, we show that fluorinated ethers are the first class of ether solvents to intrinsically suppress undesired ether solvent co-intercalation and enable lithium-ion intercalation. Using a range of ex-situ and in-situ spectroscopic and diffraction tools, we probe the lithium intercalation mechanism. Finally, we show these electrolytes outperform commercial carbonate electrolytes with next generation silicon-graphite anodes and at a wider temperature range. Our work shows the impact of novel electrolyte design strategies on solving long-standing challenges in lithium-based battery design.

Fluorinated ether electrolytes to enable next generation Li-ion batteries

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