Nathan Toboco Rose Hills
Elucidating Degradation Pathways of Electrolyte Additives
Lithium metal anodes are a promising candidate for next generation batteries due to their high energy density. However, their adoption is stunted by poor cyclability. During use, compounds in the battery react to form the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), a layer at the interface of the electrode and electrolyte. The composition and structure of the SEI greatly influence the efficiency and cyclability of the battery. In order to rationally design additive and electrolyte systems, it is crucial to have a better fundamental understanding of their decomposition. This project aims to investigate this decomposition using electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques, with a particular focus on fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC), a commonly used additive. The goal is to assess the products, mechanisms, and kinetics of these reactions, and how these change based on the identity and relative composition of the solvent and salt present.
Message To Sponsor
Thank you very much for your support! With this funding, I will be able to continue growing as a researcher and dive deep into this project. I am excited to contribute to a better understanding of these mechanisms.