Libo Hu

Fluorinated electrolytes for 5 V lithium-ion battery chemistry

An electrolyte based on fluorinated carbonate solvents was evaluated with high voltage cathode materials at elevated temperature. The theoretically high anodic stability of these new electrolytes was supported by electrochemical evaluation results using LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/Li and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4/Li4Ti5O12 electrochemical couples. Fluorinated carbonate appears to be a suitable electrolyte candidate for transition metal oxide cathodes at high voltage (5 V vs. Li+/Li).

The unexpected discovery of the Mg(HMDS)2/MgCl2 complex as a magnesium electrolyte for rechargeable magnesium batteries

We developed a unique class of non-Grignard, aluminum-free magnesium electrolytes based on a simple mixture of magnesium compounds: magnesium hexamethyldisilazide (Mg(HMDS)2) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2). Through a reverse Schlenk equilibrium, a concentrated THF solution of Mg(HMDS)2–4MgCl2 was prepared to achieve reversible Mg deposition/dissolution, a wide electrochemical window, and a coulombic efficiency of 99%. High reversible capacities and good rate capabilities were obtained in Mg–Mo6S8 cells using these new electrolytes in tests with different rates. The unexpected high solubility of MgCl2 in the solvent of THF with the help from Mg(HMDS)2 provides a new way to develop magnesium electrolytes.

Additives for Functional Electrolytes of Li-Ion Batteries

The electrolyte is an indispensable element of Li-ion batteries. In normal operation, the electrolyte does not participate in electrochemical reactions but rather conducts ions to enable the electrode reactions on the cathode and anode. The electrolyte is typically composed of a lithium salt as the solute for lithium ions and a solvent or mixed solvent as the medium for ionic conduction.