Enhanced electrochemical performance and thermal stability of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 using an electrolyte with sulfolane

Abstract

A sulfide-based SEI layer was formed on the surface of a LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ cathode by using a sulfolane–carbonate mixed solvent electrolyte, which led to an improvement in the electrochemical performance. Moreover, the thermal stability of the LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ cathode was also significantly improved in the presence of the SEI layer. ARC (Accelerating Rate Calorimetry) tests showed that the self-heating rate of the delithiated LiNi_0.5Mn_1.5O₄ material in the sulfolane–carbonate electrolyte was suppressed.