Miniature Li+ solvation by symmetric molecular design for practical and safe Li-metal batteries

Jinha Jang, Chongzhen Wang, Gumin Kang, Cheolhee Han, Jaekyeong Han, Jae-Sun Shin, Sunghyun Ko, Gihwan Kim, Jaewon Baek, Hee-Tak Kim, Hochun Lee, Chan Beum Park, Dong-Hwa Seo, Yuzhang Li () and Jiheong Kang ()
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Jinha Jang: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Chongzhen Wang: University of California, Los Angeles
Gumin Kang: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Cheolhee Han: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
Jaekyeong Han: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Jae-Sun Shin: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Sunghyun Ko: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
Gihwan Kim: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Jaewon Baek: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Hee-Tak Kim: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Hochun Lee: Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology
Chan Beum Park: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Dong-Hwa Seo: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Yuzhang Li: University of California, Los Angeles
Jiheong Kang: Seoul National University

Nature Energy, 2025, vol. 10, issue 4, 502-512

Abstract: Abstract Developing high-safety Li-metal batteries (LMBs) with rapid rechargeability represents a crucial avenue for the widespread adoption of electrochemical energy storage devices. Realization of LMBs requires an electrolyte that combines non-flammability with high electrochemical stability. Although current electrolyte technologies have enhanced LMB cyclability, rational electrolyte fabrication capable of simultaneously addressing high-rate performance and safety remains a grand challenge. Here we report an electrolyte design concept to enable practical, safe and fast-cycling LMBs. We created miniature anion–Li+ solvation structures by introducing symmetric organic salts into various electrolyte solvents. These structures exhibit a high ionic conductivity, low desolvation barrier and interface stabilization. Our electrolyte design enables stable, fast cycling of practical LMBs with high stability (LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cell (twice-excessed Li): 400 cycles) and high power density (pouch cell: 639.5 W kg−1). Furthermore, the Li-metal pouch cell survived nail penetration, revealing its high safety. Our electrolyte design offers a viable approach for safe, fast-cycling LMBs.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41560-025-01733-9

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