Electrolyte Engineering Toward High Performance High Nickel (Ni ≥ 80%) Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract High nickel (Ni ≥ 80%) lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) with high specific energy are one of the most important technical routes to resolve the growing endurance anxieties. However, because of their extremely aggressive chemistries, high‐Ni (Ni ≥ 80%) LIBs suffer from poor cycle life and safety performance, which hinder their large‐scale commercial applications. Among varied strategies, electrolyte engineering is very powerful to simultaneously enhance the cycle life and safety of high‐Ni (Ni ≥ 80%) LIBs. In this review, the pivotal challenges faced by high‐Ni oxide cathodes and conventional LiPF 6 ‐carbonate‐based electrolytes are comprehensively summarized. Then, the functional additives design guidelines for LiPF 6 ‐carbonate ‐based electrolytes and the design principles of high voltage resistance/high safety novel electrolytes are systematically elaborated to resolve these pivotal challenges. Moreover, the proposed thermal runaway mechanisms of high‐Ni (Ni ≥ 80%) LIBs are also reviewed to provide useful perspectives for the design of high‐safety electrolytes. Finally, the potential research directions of electrolyte engineering toward high‐performance high‐Ni (Ni ≥ 80%) LIBs are provided. This review will have an important impact on electrolyte innovation as well as the commercial evolution of high‐Ni (Ni ≥ 80%) LIBs, and also will be significant to breakthrough the energy density ceiling of LIBs.