Electrolyte Modulators toward Polarization‐Mitigated Lithium‐Ion Batteries for Sustainable Electric Transportation. Issue 7 (5th January 2022) - Li, Xinru
Abstract: Electric vehicles (EVs) are being adopted to replace combustion engine vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change; developing batteries with high energy efficiency and long lifespan, in the context of carbon footprint and cost, are essential to ensure the successful transition. Herein, an electrolyte modulator that can effectively mitigate the polarization of lithium‐ion batteries, leading to dramatically improved energy efficiency and lifespan, is reported. Under a dynamic stress test that mimics the operations of EVs, commercial pouch cells with a low concentration of electrolyte modulator (0.2 wt% of the electrolyte) exhibit enhanced energy efficiency (87.5% vs 80.4% for the first 500 testing cycles) and prolonged lifespan (fourfold improvement based on 70% energy‐output retention). This work provides a simple yet effective strategy toward sustainable electrification of vehicles. Abstract : A 2D metal–organic framework is employed as an electrolyte modulator (MEM) for lithium‐ion batteries (LIB). Such an MEM can afford electrolytes with high lithium‐ion transference number and high ionic conductivity, as well as low‐resistivity interface with electrodes and ability to suppress polarizations. The LIB operated under strenuous conditions demonstrates that the MEM dramatically improves the energy output, energy efficiency, and cycle lifespan.