Silicon
(Si) is the most naturally abundant element possessing
10-fold greater theoretical capacity compared to that of graphite-based
anodes. The practicality of implementing Si anodes is, however, limited
by the unstable solid/electrolyte interphase (SEI) and anode fracturing
during continuous lithiation/delithiation. We demonstrate that glyme-based
electrolytes (GlyEls) ensure a conformal SEI on Si and keep the Si
“fracture-free”. Benchmarking against the optimal, commonly
used carbonate electrolyte with the fluoroethylene carbonate additive,
the Si anode cycled in a GlyEl exhibits a reduced early parasitic
current (by 62.5%) and interfacial resistance (by 72.8%), while cell
capacity retention is promoted by >7% over the course of 110 cycles.
A mechanistic investigation by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and
energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicates GlyEl enriches Si SEI
with elastic polyether but diminishes its carbonate species. Glyme-based
electrolytes proved to be viable in stabilizing the SEI on Si for
future high energy density lithium-ion batteries.
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