Spectroscopic and Computational Study of Boronium Ionic Liquids and Electrolytes
Journal article, 2021

Boronium cation-based ionic liquids (ILs) have demonstrated high thermal stability and a >5.8 V electrochemical stability window. Additionally, IL-based electrolytes containing the salt LiTFSI have shown stable cycling against the Li metal anode, the “Holy grail” of rechargeable lithium batteries. However, the basic spectroscopic characterisation needed for further development and effective application is missing for these promising ILs and electrolytes. In this work, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used in combination to characterise four ILs and electrolytes based on the [NNBH2]+ and [(TMEDA)BH2]+ boronium cations and the [FSI]− and [TFSI]− anions. By using this combined experimental and computational approach, proper understanding of the role of different ion-ion interactions for the Li cation coordination environment in the electrolytes was achieved. Furthermore, the calculated vibrational frequencies assisted in the proper mode assignments for the ILs and in providing insights into the spectroscopic features expected at the interface created when they are adsorbed on a Li(001) surface. A reproducible synthesis procedure for [(TMEDA)BH2]+ is also reported. The fundamental findings presented in this work are beneficial for any future studies that utilise IL based electrolytes in next generation Li metal batteries.

ionic liquids

lithium metal anodes

lithium batteries

IR spectroscopy

density functional theory calculations

Author

Jonathan Clarke-Hannaford

RMIT University

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Michael Breedon

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Thomas Rüther

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

Patrik Johansson

Chalmers, Physics, Materials Physics

Michelle J.S. Spencer

RMIT University

Chemistry - A European Journal

0947-6539 (ISSN) 1521-3765 (eISSN)

Vol. 27 50 12826-12834

Subject Categories

Inorganic Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Materials Chemistry

DOI

10.1002/chem.202101576

More information

Latest update

9/16/2021