Constructing Matching Cathode–Anode Interphases with Improved Chemo-mechanical Stability for High-Energy Batteries

Coupling Ni-rich layered oxide cathodes with Si-based anodes is one of the most promising strategies to realize high-energy-density Li-ion batteries. However, unstable interfaces on both cathode and anode sides cause continuous parasitic reactions, resulting in structural degradation and capacity fading of full cells. Herein, lithium tetrafluoro(oxalato) phosphate is synthesized and applied as a multifunctional electrolyte additive to mitigate irreversible volume swing of the SiO_x anode and suppress undesirable interfacial evolution of the LiNi_0.83Co_0.12Mn_0.05O₂ (NCM) cathode simultaneously, resulting in improved cycle life. Benefiting from its desirable redox thermodynamics and kinetics, the molecularly tailored additive facilitates matching interphases consisting of LiF, Li₃PO₄, and P-containing macromolecular polymer on both the NCM cathode and SiO_x anode, respectively, modulating interfacial chemo-mechanical stability as well as charge transfer kinetics. More encouragingly, the proposed strategy enables 4.4 V 21700 cylindrical batteries (5 Ah) with excellent cycling stability (92.9% capacity retention after 300 cycles) under practical conditions. The key finding points out a fresh perspective on interfacial optimization for high-energy-density battery systems.