Fanny Bardé

Bio: Fanny Bardé is an academic researcher from Toyota. The author has contributed to research in topics: Battery (electricity) & Electrolyte. The author has an hindex of 23, co-authored 43 publications receiving 4218 citations. Previous affiliations of Fanny Bardé include Massachusetts Institute of Technology & University of St Andrews.

Reactions in the Rechargeable Lithium–O2 Battery with Alkyl Carbonate Electrolytes

Abstract: The nonaqueous rechargeable lithium–O2 battery containing an alkyl carbonate electrolyte discharges by formation of C3H6(OCO2Li)2, Li2CO3, HCO2Li, CH3CO2Li, CO2, and H2O at the cathode, due to electrolyte decomposition. Charging involves oxidation of C3H6(OCO2Li)2, Li2CO3, HCO2Li, CH3CO2Li accompanied by CO2 and H2O evolution. Mechanisms are proposed for the reactions on discharge and charge. The different pathways for discharge and charge are consistent with the widely observed voltage gap in Li–O2 cells. Oxidation of C3H6(OCO2Li)2 involves terminal carbonate groups leaving behind the OC3H6O moiety that reacts to form a thick gel on the Li anode. Li2CO3, HCO2Li, CH3CO2Li, and C3H6(OCO2Li)2 accumulate in the cathode on cycling correlating with capacity fading and cell failure. The latter is compounded by continuous consumption of the electrolyte on each discharge.

The Lithium–Oxygen Battery with Ether-Based Electrolytes

Abstract: The rechargeable Li–air (O2) battery is receiving a great deal of interest because theoretically it can store significantly more energy than lithium ion batteries, thus potentially transforming energy storage. Since it was first described, a number of aspects of the Li–O2 battery with a non-aqueous electrolyte have been investigated. The electrolyte is recognized as one of the greatest challenges. To date, organic carbonate-based electrolytes (e.g. LiPF6 in propylene carbonate) have been widely used. However, recently, it has been shown that instead of O2 being reduced in the porous cathode to form Li2O2, as desired, discharge in organic carbonate electrolytes is associated with severe electrolyte decomposition. As a result it is very important to investigate other solvents in the search for a suitable electrolyte. In this regard much attention is now focused on electrolytes based on ethers (e.g. tetraglyme (tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether)). Ethers are attractive for the Li–O2 battery because they are one of the few solvents that combine the following attributes: capable of operating with a lithium metal anode, stable to oxidation potentials in excess of 4.5 V versus Li/Li, safe, of low cost and, in the case of higher molecular weights, such as tetraglyme, they are of low volatility. Crucially, they are also anticipated to show greater stability towards reduced O2 species compared with organic carbonates. Herein we show that although the ethers are more stable than the organic carbonates, the Li2O2 that forms on the first discharge is accompanied by electrolyte decomposition, to give a mixture of Li2CO3, HCO2Li, CH3CO2Li, polyethers/ esters, CO2, and H2O. The extent of electrolyte degradation compared with Li2O2 formation on discharge appears to increase rapidly with cycling (that is, charging and discharging), such that after only 5 cycles there is little or no evidence of Li2O2 from powder X-ray diffraction. We show that the same decomposition products occur for linear chain lengths other than tetraglyme. In the case of cyclic ethers, such as 1,3dioxolane and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-Me-THF), decomposition also occurs. For 1,3-dioxolane, decomposition forms polyethers/esters, Li2CO3, HCO2Li, and C2H4(OCO2Li)2, and for 2-Me-THF the main products are HCO2Li, CH3CO2Li; in both cases CO2 and H2O evolve. The results presented herein demonstrate that ether-based electrolytes are not suitable for rechargeable Li–O2 cells. A Li–O2 cell consisting of a lithium metal anode, an electrolyte, comprising 1m LiPF6 in tetraglyme, and a porous cathode (Super P/Kynar) was constructed as described in the Experimental Section. The cell was discharged in 1 atm O2 to 2 V. The porous cathode was then removed, washed with CH3CN, and examined by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and FTIR. The results are presented in Figure 1 and Figure 2. The PXRD data demonstrate the presence of Li2O2, consistent with previous PXRD data for a Li–O2 cell with a tetraglyme electrolyte at the end of the first discharge. However, examination of the FTIR spectra, Figure 2, reveals that, in addition to Li2O2, other products form. Although the FTIR spectra provide clear evidence of electrolyte decom-

Oxygen Reactions in a Non-Aqueous Li+ Electrolyte†

Abstract: Oxygen (O2) reduction is one of the most studied reactions in chemistry1 Widely investigated in aqueous media, O2 reduction in non-aqueous solvents, such as CH3CN, has been studied for several decades2–7 Today, O2 reduction in non-aqueous Li+ electrolytes is receiving considerable attention because it is the reaction on which operation of the Li–air (O2) battery depends8–29 The Li–O2 battery is generating a great deal of interest because theoretically its high energy density could transform energy storage8, 9 As a result, it is crucial to understand the O2 reaction mechanisms in non-aqueous Li+ electrolytes Important progress has been made using electrochemical measurements including recently by Laoire et al29 No less than five different mechanisms for O2 reduction in Li+ electrolytes have been proposed over the last 40 years based on electrochemical measurements alone25–29 The value of using spectroelectrochemical methods is that they can identify directly the species involved in the reaction Here we present in situ spectroscopic data that provide direct evidence that LiO2 is indeed an intermediate on O2 reduction, which then disproportionates to the final product Li2O2 Spectroscopic studies of Li2O2 oxidation demonstrate that LiO2 is not an intermediate on oxidation, that is, oxidation does not follow the reverse pathway to reduction

Towards a calcium-based rechargeable battery

Abstract: The development of a rechargeable battery technology using light electropositive metal anodes would result in a breakthrough in energy density. For multivalent charge carriers (M(n+)), the number of ions that must react to achieve a certain electrochemical capacity is diminished by two (n = 2) or three (n = 3) when compared with Li(+) (ref. ). Whereas proof of concept has been achieved for magnesium, the electrodeposition of calcium has so far been thought to be impossible and research has been restricted to non-rechargeable systems. Here we demonstrate the feasibility of calcium plating at moderate temperatures using conventional organic electrolytes, such as those used for the Li-ion technology. The reversibility of the process on cycling has been ascertained and thus the results presented here constitute the first step towards the development of a new rechargeable battery technology using calcium anodes.

Li-O2 battery with a dimethylformamide electrolyte

Abstract: Stability of the electrolyte toward reduced oxygen species generated at the cathode is a crucial challenge for the rechargeable nonaqueous Li–O2 battery. Here, we investigate dimethylformamide as the basis of an electrolyte. Although reactions at the O2 cathode on the first discharge–charge cycle are dominated by reversible Li2O2 formation/decomposition, there is also electrolyte decomposition, which increases on cycling. The products of decomposition at the cathode on discharge are Li2O2, Li2CO3, HCO2Li, CH3CO2Li, NO, H2O, and CO2. Li2CO3 accumulates in the electrode with cycling. The stability of dimethylformamide toward reduced oxygen species is insufficient for its use in the rechargeable nonaqueous Li–O2 battery.

Li-O2 and Li-S batteries with high energy storage.

Abstract: Li-ion batteries have transformed portable electronics and will play a key role in the electrification of transport. However, the highest energy storage possible for Li-ion batteries is insufficient for the long-term needs of society, for example, extended-range electric vehicles. To go beyond the horizon of Li-ion batteries is a formidable challenge; there are few options. Here we consider two: Li-air (O(2)) and Li-S. The energy that can be stored in Li-air (based on aqueous or non-aqueous electrolytes) and Li-S cells is compared with Li-ion; the operation of the cells is discussed, as are the significant hurdles that will have to be overcome if such batteries are to succeed. Fundamental scientific advances in understanding the reactions occurring in the cells as well as new materials are key to overcoming these obstacles. The potential benefits of Li-air and Li-S justify the continued research effort that will be needed.

Toward Safe Lithium Metal Anode in Rechargeable Batteries: A Review.

Abstract: The lithium metal battery is strongly considered to be one of the most promising candidates for high-energy-density energy storage devices in our modern and technology-based society. However, uncontrollable lithium dendrite growth induces poor cycling efficiency and severe safety concerns, dragging lithium metal batteries out of practical applications. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the lithium metal anode and its dendritic lithium growth. First, the working principles and technical challenges of a lithium metal anode are underscored. Specific attention is paid to the mechanistic understandings and quantitative models for solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, lithium dendrite nucleation, and growth. On the basis of previous theoretical understanding and analysis, recently proposed strategies to suppress dendrite growth of lithium metal anode and some other metal anodes are reviewed. A section dedicated to the potential of full-cell lithium metal batteries for practical applicatio...

Promise and reality of post-lithium-ion batteries with high energy densities

Abstract: Energy density is the main property of rechargeable batteries that has driven the entire technology forward in past decades. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) now surpass other, previously competitive battery types (for example, lead–acid and nickel metal hydride) but still require extensive further improvement to, in particular, extend the operation hours of mobile IT devices and the driving mileages of all-electric vehicles. In this Review, we present a critical overview of a wide range of post-LIB materials and systems that could have a pivotal role in meeting such demands. We divide battery systems into two categories: near-term and long-term technologies. To provide a realistic and balanced perspective, we describe the operating principles and remaining issues of each post-LIB technology, and also evaluate these materials under commercial cell configurations. Post-lithium-ion batteries are reviewed with a focus on their operating principles, advantages and the challenges that they face. The volumetric energy density of each battery is examined using a commercial pouch-cell configuration to evaluate its practical significance and identify appropriate research directions.

Challenges Facing Lithium Batteries and Electrical Double‐Layer Capacitors

Abstract: Energy-storage technologies, including electrical double-layer capacitors and rechargeable batteries, have attracted significant attention for applications in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, bulk electricity storage at power stations, and “load leveling” of renewable sources, such as solar energy and wind power. Transforming lithium batteries and electric double-layer capacitors requires a step change in the science underpinning these devices, including the discovery of new materials, new electrochemistry, and an increased understanding of the processes on which the devices depend. The Review will consider some of the current scientific issues underpinning lithium batteries and electric double-layer capacitors.