Synergetic modulation on solvation structure and electrode interface to achieve lithium-ion batteries cycled at ultra-low temperature

• Published in: Chemical engineering journal (Lausanne, Switzerland : 1996) Vol. 473; p. 145455
• Main Authors: Yang, Jixu, Long, Kecheng, Guo, Ziyang, Cui, Yunlong, Ling, Canhui, Wu, Zhibin, Wu, Feixiang, Wei, Weifeng, Chen, Yuejiao, Ji, Xiaobo, Mei, Lin, Chen, Libao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-10-2023
• Subjects: Desolvation; Electrode–electrolyte interface; Low-temperature performance; Niobium oxide; Rechargeable batteries; Low-temperature performance; Niobium oxide; Desolvation; Electrode–electrolyte interface; Rechargeable batteries
• ISSN: 1385-8947; 1873-3212
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.145455

•Propose a strategy of synergetic modulation on electrolyte and electrode interface.•Synergistically accelerate the interfacial reaction kinetics at low temperature.•Niobium oxide with high intercalation potential inhibit the generation of Li plating at low temperature.•Promising rate and cycle performance of T-Nb2O5@C||LFP at ultra-low temperature.
The performance of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in cold environments remains a challenge due to the insufficient ionic conductivity of electrolyte and lithium plating at graphite anodes. Herein, we demonstrate that the synergistic effect of ether-based electrolyte and niobium oxide with high intercalation potential can significantly improve the low-temperature charging/discharging performance of LIBs. Theoretical calculations and in-situ characterizations prove that the weak desolvation energy of electrolyte and the strong binding energy Li+-O bridging coordination synergistically accelerate the interfacial reaction kinetics. The full cells by coupling the niobium oxide anode with LiFePO4 cathode show 95.6% of the initial capacity after 500 cycles at −30 °C, and exhibit excellent rechargeability at −50 °C. This work verifies that the synergism of solvating power of solvent and Li+ intercalation behavior is crucial in low-temperature LIBs.