Lithium-ion battery electrolyte mobility at nano-confined graphene interfaces

Boaz Moeremans, Hsiu-Wei Cheng (), Qingyun Hu, Hector F. Garces, Nitin P. Padture, Frank Uwe Renner () and Markus Valtiner ()
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Boaz Moeremans: Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University
Hsiu-Wei Cheng: Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH
Qingyun Hu: Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH
Hector F. Garces: School of Engineering, Brown University
Nitin P. Padture: School of Engineering, Brown University
Frank Uwe Renner: Institute for Materials Research, Hasselt University
Markus Valtiner: Max-Planck Institut für Eisenforschung GmbH

Nature Communications, 2016, vol. 7, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Interfaces are essential in electrochemical processes, providing a critical nanoscopic design feature for composite electrodes used in Li-ion batteries. Understanding the structure, wetting and mobility at nano-confined interfaces is important for improving the efficiency and lifetime of electrochemical devices. Here we use a Surface Forces Apparatus to quantify the initial wetting of nanometre-confined graphene, gold and mica surfaces by Li-ion battery electrolytes. Our results indicate preferential wetting of confined graphene in comparison with gold or mica surfaces because of specific interactions of the electrolyte with the graphene surface. In addition, wetting of a confined pore proceeds via a profoundly different mechanism compared with wetting of a macroscopic surface. We further reveal the existence of molecularly layered structures of the confined electrolyte. Nanoscopic confinement of less than 4–5 nm and the presence of water decrease the mobility of the electrolyte. These results suggest a lower limit for the pore diameter in nanostructured electrodes.

Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12693

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