Tris(trimethylsilyl) Phosphite and Lithium Difluoro(oxalato)borate as Electrolyte Additives for LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4‐Graphite Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract Raising the energy density of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) through the operation of high‐voltage cathodes presents a challenge in terms of practical use due to electrolyte degradation. Consequently, it is imperative to explore new materials to circumvent this issue. In this study, a combination of tris(trimethylsilyl) phosphite (TMSPi) and lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) is presented as film‐forming additives in a conventional LiPF 6 ‐containing carbonate‐based electrolyte solution in high‐voltage LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 ‐graphite full cells. At high voltage, TMSPi oxidizes on the LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 (LNMO) cathode surface prior to the decomposition of electrolyte solvents, promoting the formation of a stable cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) layer. In tandem, given that LiDFOB has a lower reduction potential than ethylene carbonate (EC), it has the possibility of forming a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the graphite anode surface. Combining the two additives was found to suppress the degradation of the electrolyte to a large extent. Among the investigated concentration of the additives, the combination of 1 wt. % TMSPi and 2 wt. % LiDFOB added to LP40 electrolyte exhibits improved capacity retention of 80 % after 400 cycles at 0.3 C, compared to the electrolyte with no additive with 67 % capacity retention over the same period. Thereby, the combination of TMSPi with LiDFOB provides an improvement for high voltage LIBs.