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LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Interphase identity crisis

Nature Chemistry volume 11, pages 761–763 (2019)Cite this article

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Interphases that form on the anode surface of lithium-ion batteries are critical for performance and lifetime, but are poorly understood. Now, a decade-old misconception regarding a main component of the interphase has been revealed, which could potentially lead to improved devices.

Few would doubt the profound impact that Li-ion batteries have had on society since they were commercialized 30 years ago, with further developments expected to revolutionize electrified transport. Surprisingly to the outsider, however, one of the most important components of Li-ion batteries is not understood at a level that could serve to improve it in an informed way. This component is the solid–electrolyte interphase, which forms during the first few cycles of battery operation when the negative electrode (anode) reaches highly reducing potentials and the organic electrolyte is decomposed1,2. The purpose of the interphase is to act as a Li+-conducting, electronically insulating film, which prevents further electrolyte decomposition during subsequent cycles. While the prominent role of the interphase is clear for the performance and lifetime of the cell, neither its composition nor formation nor ion transport mechanism are fully understood.

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Fig. 1: Lithium ethylene monocarbonate in the solid–electrolyte interphase.

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  1. Graz University of Technology, Graz, Styria, Austria

    Stefan A. Freunberger

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  1. Stefan A. Freunberger
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Correspondence to Stefan A. Freunberger.

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Freunberger, S.A. Interphase identity crisis. Nat. Chem. 11, 761–763 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-019-0311-0

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