Synthesis and electrochemical properties of partially fluorinated ether solvents for lithiumsulfur battery electrolytes

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 401; pp. 271 - 277
• Main Authors: Yue, Zheng, Dunya, Hamza, Aryal, Shankar, Segre, Carlo U., Mandal, Braja
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.10.2018
• Subjects: Capacity fading; Ionic conductivity; Lithium-sulfur batteries; Partially fluorinated ethers; Polysulfide shuttle effect; Solid electrolyte interface; Partially fluorinated ethers; Solid electrolyte interface; Ionic conductivity; Lithium-sulfur batteries; Polysulfide shuttle effect; Capacity fading
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2018.08.097

Fluorinated ethers have been used as a co-solvent in traditional ether-based electrolytes to suppress the polysulfide shuttle effect in lithium-sulfur batteries. In this work, five partially fluorinated ether compounds have been synthesized. The key properties, such as viscosity, ionic conductivity and polysulfide solubility of the electrolytes containing these co-solvents have been systematically studied. The electrolyte formulation showed best physical properties was tested in lithium-sulfur coin cells. The new fluoroether-based electrolytes displayed superior electrochemical performance compared to that of the traditional ether-based electrolytes. •Five partially fluorinated ether compounds were synthesized and characterized.•Physical properties and polysulfide solubility are provided.•Several electrolyte formulations were tested for LiS battery electrolytes.•Electrolytes displayed good ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability.•Improved cycling performances were achieved at high current density (0.5C).