A Low-Concentration Electrolyte for High-Voltage Lithium-Metal Batteries: Fluorinated Solvation Shell and Low Salt Concentration Effect

Concentration of electrolyte has significant effects on performances of rechargeable batteries. Previous studies mainly focused on concentrated electrolytes. So far, only several recipes on low-concentration electrolytes were studied, performing enhanced performance in advanced rechargeable batteries. Here, based on common electrolyte components, a low-concentration electrolyte composed of 0.2 M lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) solvated in fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) is employed for high-voltage Li metal battery. The synergistic working mechanisms of introducing fluorine-containing solvent in the solvated structure and low salt concentration effect are revealed, resulting in LiF-rich, uniform, and robust solid electrolyte interphase layer and fewer unfavorable decomposition products. As a result, this low-concentration electrolyte significantly enhances electrochemical performances of Li||Li symmetric cells and high-voltage LiCoO2||Li batteries.