Lithium-Ion

Measuring Chemical and Electrochemical Electrolyte Oxidation Measurements of transition metal TM) fluoride salt solubility in common electrolyte solvents and TM dissolution caused by the introduction of free protons (mimicking electrochemically-produced free protons via acid) conclusively demonstrate the electrochemical nature of TM dissolution, and provide a pathway for electrolyte design optimization to mitigate TM dissolution and extend battery lifetime.

Using temperature-dependent in-operando hard X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Reinschlüssel et al conclusively separate contributions of electrochemical and chemical electrolyte oxidation, showing that electrochemical electrolyte oxidation is directly linked to the dissolution of transition metals from the positive electrode, while chemical electrolyte oxidation is caused by reaction with oxygen, and leaves transition metal dissolution unaffected.

Source: Reinschlüssel et al, J. Electrochem. Soc., 2025

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