Anion-induced electrolyte chemistry enables high energy density primary battery for ultralow-temperature conditions

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Article
Citation
Xue, Z.-H., Liang, H.-J., Heng, Y.-L., Yang, J.-L., Ang, E. H., Lü, H.-Y., Yu, H., Dai, D., Liu, D.-H., Zheng, C.-Y., Guo, W., & Wu, X.-L. (2024). Anion-induced electrolyte chemistry enables high energy density primary battery for ultralow-temperature conditions. Science China Chemistry. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11426-024-2332-y
Author
Xue, Zi-Hang
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Liang, Hao-Jie
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Heng, Yong-Li
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Yang, Jia-Lin
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Ang, Edison Huixiang 
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Lu, Hong-Yan
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Yu, Hong
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Dai, Dongmei
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Liu, Dai-Huo
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Zheng, Chuan-Yu
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Guo, Wei
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Wu, Xing-Long
Abstract
Lithium/fluorinated-carbon (Li/CFx) primary batteries are widely used in defense and military fields due to their stable discharge plateau, low self-discharge rate, and adaptability across a wide temperature range. However, enhancing their overall energy density and discharge capacity at low temperatures remains a critical challenge. Herein, we report a strategically designed LiBF4-based sulfite/carboxylate electrolyte, where the anion-involved solvation structure significantly enhances electrochemical kinetics by reducing the desolvation barrier. Simultaneously, it introduces a radical reaction mechanism that contributes to additional capacity. As a result, the Li/CFx primary batteries with this formulated electrolyte deliver a specific capacity of 2,257.15 mAh g−1 at 25 °C. More importantly, when operating at −40 °C, the batteries exhibit an exceptionally high discharge capacity of 1,549.4 mAh g−1 and an energy density of 2,868.6 Wh kg−1. Even at −60 °C, the Li/CFx cells achieve a specific capacity of 444.3 mAh g−1 and an energy density of 821.8 Wh kg−1 at 0.1 C, significantly outperforming previously reported organic-based liquid electrolytes. This work offers a viable strategy for enhancing the specific capacity and energy density of primary batteries in extreme environments, providing valuable insights for future developments.
Keywords
Date Issued
2024
Publisher
Springer
Journal
Science China Chemistry
DOI
10.1007/s11426-024-2332-y