《4-Fluorobenzyl Cyanide, Sterically-Hindered Solvent Expediting Interfacial Kinetics in Lithium-ion Batteries》
The electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is plagued by sluggish interfacial kinetics and interfacial exacerbation. Fortunately, Li+ solvation structure bridges bulk electrolyte and interfacial chemistry, providing an innovative path for promoting electrochemical kinetics in LIBs. Here, we expedite the interfacial kinetics by tuning Li+ coordination chemistry based on solvent molecular engineering. Specifically, 4-fluorobenzyl cyanide (FBCN), featuring steric hindrance and weak Lewis basic center, is designed to construct a bulky coordination with Li+, weakening ion-dipole interaction (Li+-solvent) but promoting Coulombic attraction (Li+-anions) at normal Li salt’s concentration. This sterically ruled solvation chemistry diminishes interfacial barrier and thus contributes to improved rate performance as demonstrated in practical LiFePO4//graphite pouch cells. This study provides fresh insights into solvent steric control and coordination chemistry engineering, blazing a new avenue for enhancing electrochemical kinetics in LIBs.
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/sc/d4sc00013g
