Cr-Doped LiRuO of the LiRuCrO (x = 0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1) series was successfully synthesized and the effect of Cr on the electrochemical performance of LiRuO was systematically investigated. The results show that LiRuCrO exhibits the best performance in terms of capacity, rate capability and cycling stability.

In battery electrolyte design principles, tuning Li+ solvation structure is an effective way to connect electrolyte chemistry with interfacial chemistry. Although recent proposed solvation tuning strategies are able to improve battery cyclability, a comprehensive strategy for electrolyte design remains imperative. Here, we report a solvation tuning strategy by utilizing molecular steric effect to create a “bulky coordinating” structure. Based on this strategy, the designed electrolyte generates an inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI), leading to excellent compatibility with both Li metal anodes and high-voltage cathodes. Under an ultrahigh voltage of 4.6 V, Li/NMC811 full-cells (N/P = 2.0) hold an 84.1% capacity retention over 150 cycles and industrial Li/NMC811 pouch cells realize an energy density of 495 Wh kg–1. This study provides innovative insights into Li+ solvation tuning for electrolyte engineering and offers a promising path toward developing high-energy Li metal batteries.

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