Electrolytes
Typical lithium-ion batteries rely on a non-aqueous electrolyte of LiPF6 dissolved in a mixture of organic carbonates. This liquid wets all interior cell surfaces and provides a medium for lithium-ion transport during charge/discharge. The ubiquity of electrolyte within the cell gives it a role in nearly all cell processes, which places an extraordinary number of demands on its electrochemical, chemical, and physical properties. On the other hand, the many roles played by the electrolyte make it a versatile tool for engineering better battery performance. We are engaged in a number of efforts to study and improve lithium-ion electrolytes, including for traditional intercalation chemistries as well as advanced designs like lithium-sulfur.
Projects
Featured Publications
Zhao, Hui, Sang-Jae Park, Feifei Shi, Yanbao Fu, Vincent S. Battaglia, Philip N. Ross, and Gao Liu."Propylene Carbonate (PC)-Based Electrolytes with High Coulombic Efficiency for Lithium-Ion Batteries."Journal of The Electrochemical Society
161.1 (2014) A194-A200. DOI