Theoretical analysis of electrode-dependent interfacial structures on hydrate-melt electrolytes

Norio Takenaka, Taichi Inagaki, Tatau Shimada, Yuki Yamada, Masataka Nagaoka, Atsuo Yamada

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aqueous electrolytes have the potential to overcome some of the safety issues associated with current Li-ion batteries intended for large-scale applications such as stationary use. We recently discovered a lithium-salt dihydrate melt, viz., Li(TFSI)0.7(BETI)0.3·2H2O, which can provide a wide potential window of over 3 V; however, its reductive stability strongly depends on the electrode material. To understand the underlying mechanism, the interfacial structures on several electrodes (C, Al, and Pt) were investigated by conducting molecular dynamics simulation under the constraint of the electrode potential. The results showed that the high adsorption force on the surface of the metal electrodes is responsible for the increased water density, thus degrading the reductive stability of the electrolyte. Notably, the anion orientation on Pt at a low potential is unfavorable for the formation of a stable anion-derived solid electrolyte interphase, thus promoting hydrogen evolution. Hence, the interfacial structures that depend on the material and potential of the electrode mainly determine the reductive stability of hydrate-melt electrolytes.

Original languageEnglish
Article number124706
JournalJournal of Chemical Physics
Volume152
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020 Mar 31
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Physics and Astronomy(all)
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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