Highly Concentrated LiTFSI–EC Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries

Concentrated electrolytes have the potential to increase the stability for batteries with lithium metal anodes. In this study, liquid electrolytes were created by mixing ethylene carbonate (EC), a solid at room temperature, with a high concentration of LiTFSI salt. The binary LiTFSI–EC highly concentrated electrolytes have the benefit of extremely low volatility as compared to conventional organic electrolytes and also allow for cycling vs Li metal anodes. Using a LiTFSI–EC electrolyte with molar ratio 1:6, the Coulombic efficiency for Li plating/stripping on Cu is 97% at a current density of 1 mA cm–2 with a 2 mAh cm–2 capacity, pointing to a practically useful performance. In a full cell setup using a commercial LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode, the efficiency is maintained, proving compatibility. In comparison to other carbonate-based electrolytes, there is less accumulation of decomposition products on the surface of a cycled Li film, which in part explains the improved cycle life. In all, this electrolyte system shows promise in terms of electrochemical stability and may allow for safe Li metal batteries due to the inherent physical stability.