Entropy-Assisted Anion-Reinforced Solvation Structure for Fast-Charging Sodium-Ion Full Batteries

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2024 Oct 14;63(42):e202410494. doi: 10.1002/anie.202410494. Epub 2024 Sep 12.

Abstract

Anion-reinforced solvation structure favors the formation of inorganic-rich robust electrode-electrolyte interface, which endows fast ion transport and high strength modulus to enable improved electrochemical performance. However, such a unique solvation structure inevitably injures the ionic conductivity of electrolytes and limits the fast-charging performance. Herein, a trade-off in tuning anion-reinforced solvation structure and high ionic conductivity is realized by the entropy-assisted hybrid ester-ether electrolyte. Anion-reinforced solvation sheath with more anions occupying the inner Na+ shell is constructed by introducing the weakly coordinated ether tetrahydrofuran into the commonly used ester-based electrolyte, which merits the accelerated desolvation energy and gradient inorganic-rich electrode-electrolyte interface. The improved ionic conductivity is attributed to the weakly diverse solvation structures induced by entropy effect. These enable the enhanced rate performance and cycling stability of Prussian blue||hard carbon full cells with high electrode mass loading. More importantly, the practical application of the designed electrolyte was further demonstrated by industry-level 18650 cylindrical cells.

Keywords: anion-reinforced solvation structure; entropy effect; fast-charging; hybrid ester-ether electrolyte; sodium-ion full battery.