Stability issues affect the commercialization of lithium metal batteries. The multifunctional additive is synthesized by polymerization reaction to regulate the electrode interface, improve the SEI layer of lithium anode, promote the uniform deposition of lithium, while protecting the NCM811 cathode interphase, and slowing down the side reaction at the interface, thereby improving the electrochemical performance of lithium metal battery.

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries, with high energy density and long cycle life, have become the battery of choice for most vehicles and portable electronic devices; however, energy density, safety and cycle life require further improvements. Single-functional group electrolyte additives are very limited in practical applications, a ternary polymer bifunctional electrolyte additive copolymer (acrylonitrile-butyl hexafluoro methacrylate- poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate- methyl ether) (PMANHF) was synthesized by free radical polymerization of acrylonitrile, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate. A series of characterizations show that in Li metal anodes, the preferential reduction of PMANHF is conducive to the formation of a uniform and stable solid electrolyte interphase layer, and Li deposition is uniform and dense. At the NCM811 cathode, a film composed of LiF- and Li₃N-rich is formed at the cathode-electrolyte interface, mitigating the side reaction at the interface. At 1.0 mA cm⁻², the Li/Li cell can be stabilized for 1000 cycles. In addition, the Li/NCM811 cell can stabilize 200 cycles with a cathode capacity of 153.7 mAh g⁻¹, with the capacity retention of 89.93 %, at a negative/positive capacity ratio of 2.5. This study brings to light essential ideas for the fabrication of additives for lithium-metal batteries.