A molecular design principle utilizes a steric hindrance effect to tune the
solvation structures of Li+ ions. By substituting the methoxy groups on DME with larger-sized ethoxy groups, the resulting 1,2-diethoxyethane (DEE) has weaker
solvation ability and consequently more anion-rich inner
solvation shells, both of which enhance interfacial stability at
cathode and
anode. According to certain additional aspects, the present embodiments relate to a family of fluorinated- 1,2-diethyoxyethane (fluorinated-DEE) molecules that are readily synthesized in large scales to use as the
electrolyte solvents. Selected positions on 1,2-diethyoxyethane (DEE, distinct from the
diethyl ether are functionalized with various numbers of
fluorine atoms through iterative tuning, to reach a balance between CE, oxidative stability, and ionic conduction. Paired with 1.2 M
lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)
imide (LiFSI), these fluorinated-DEE-based, single-salt single-
solvent electrolytes are thoroughly characterized. In addition, a family of fluorinated ethyl methyl carbonates are designed and synthesized. Different numbers of F atoms are finely tuned to yield monofluoroethyl
methyl carbonate (F1EMC), difluoroethyl
methyl carbonate (F2EMC) and trifluoroethyl
methyl carbonate (F3EMC). The
cycling behavior of several types of
lithium-
ion pouch cells were systematically investigated to understand the
impact of fluorination degree.