Suppression of Co-intercalation on the Carbon Anode by MA Addition in a PC-base Electrolyte

Propylene Carbonate (PC) has the interesting properties of being able to dissolve and dissociate lithium salts, thus leading to highly conducting electrolytes even at low temperatures. Moreover, electrolytes that contain PC are stable against oxidation at voltages up to ~5 V. However, it is known that, when lithium is intercalated into graphite in pure PC based electrolytes, solvent co-intercalation occurs, leading to the destruction of the graphite structure. (i.e., exfoliation). The objective of this study was to suppress PC decomposition and prevent exfoliation of the graphite anode by co-intercalation. Electrochemical characteristics were studied using Kawasaki mesophase fine carbon (KMFC) in different 1 M $LiPF_6$ /PC-based electrolytes. Electrochemical experiments were completed using chronopotentiometry, cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. From the observed results, we conclude that the MA and $Li_2CO_3$ additive suppressed co-intercalation of the PC electrolyte into the graphite anode. The use of additives, for reducing the extent of solvent decomposition before exfoliation of the graphite anode, could therefore enhance the stability of a KMFC electrode.