Challenges in Li-ion battery high-voltage technology and recent advances in high-voltage electrolytes

The electrolyte directly contacts the essential parts of a lithium-ion battery, and as a result, the electrochemical properties of the electrolyte have a significant impact on the voltage platform, charge discharge capacity, energy density, service life, and rate discharge performance. By raising the voltage at the charge/discharge plateau, the energy density of the battery is increased. However, this causes transition metal dissolution, irreversible phase changes of the cathode active material, and parasitic electrolyte oxidation reactions. This article presents an overview of these concerns to provide a clear explanation of the issues involved in the development of electrolytes for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, solid-state electrolytes enable various applications and will likely have an impact on the development of batteries with high energy densities. It is necessary to improve the high-voltage performance of electrolytes by creating solvents with high thermal stabilities and high voltage resistance and additives with superior film forming performance, multifunctional capabilities, and stable lithium salts. To offer suggestions for the future development of high-energy lithium-ion batteries, we conclude by offering our own opinions and insights on the current development of lithium-ion batteries.