Effect of electrolyte additives on the performance of lithium-ion batteries

The storage performance is important for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) especially with low voltage at high temperature. We herein studied the phenomenon and mechanism of the swelling of LIBs under different storing conditions. We report a systematic optimization of the performance of LIBs using different electrolytes as additives containing 1,3,2-dioxathiolane 2,2-dioxide (DTD), vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC), and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC). Cycling performance and storage performance of LIBs with different electrolytes are studied. The LIB using electrolyte with DTD as additive, which exhibits the highest initial capacity and lowest resistance during cycling, has the lowest swelling ratio after 2-week storage. The LIB using electrolyte with FEC as additive has the highest capacity retention ratio during cycling. The electrolyte additive does play an important role in improving the performance of the LIBs. Single additive cannot solve all the problems of a LIB. This work is expected to provide efficient guides toward smart modulation of multi-functional rechargeable batteries.