Rational Design of Benzo‐Crown Ether Electrolyte Additives for High‐Performance Li‐O<sub>2</sub> Batteries
Qi Zhang, Yuke Li, Eng Tuan Poh, Zhenxiang Xing, Mingsheng Zhang, Meng Wang, Zejun Sun, Jisheng Pan, Sai V. C. Vummaleti, Jia Zhang, Wei Chen
Abstract
Abstract Despite theoretical predictions of exceptional gravimetric energy densities in Li‐O 2 batteries (LOBs), the current research forefront faces challenges, including high charge overpotential, cathode clogging, parasitic reactions, and Li anode corrosion. Herein, benzo‐crown ethers (BCEs) with varying cavity sizes are used as electrolyte additives to exploit their strong binding toward Li + and promote the solution growth of Li 2 O 2 with reduced particle size. Notably, the cell with benzo‐18‐crown‐6 ether (B18C6) enables the largest discharge capacity of 14948 mAh g −1 . Upon charging, these additives accelerate Li 2 O 2 oxidation through the strong binding with Li + and the extended electrolyte/Li 2 O 2 interface, resulting in improved reversibility, reduced charge overpotential, and prolonged cycle life. Besides, these additives also stabilize the Li anode by regulating Li + migration and electron exchange, reducing dendritic growth and anode corrosion. This work presents insights into the rational design of BCEs as additives for high‐performance LOBs.