(Invited) Electrolyte Design for Wide-Temperature Lithium Batteries

Improving the wide temperature performance of rechargeable batteries is vital to the operation of electronics and vehicles in extreme environments, where systems capable of higher energy, high-rate discharge and long cycling are in short supply. In this talk, we will show electrolyte designs to achieve high-energy density and stable cycling performance in wide temperature range, especially in extremely low-temperature environment. We will use a few examples, including ester- and ether-based electrolyte with different concentrations to showcase the critical role of solvation and desolvation in determining the charge-transfer kinetics at low-temperature. We will also discuss the role of solvation structure in shaping interfacial stability in different cathode and anode systems. These fundamental understanding may provide viable design strategies for high energy density and long-life batteries for both high and extremely low temperatures such as rechargeable Li metal batteries using both high-Ni oxide and sulfur cathodes.