• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
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• 2017.05a
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• pp.169-169
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• 2017

Due to key roles for the electrochemical stability and charge capacity the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) has been extensively studied in anodes of a Li-ion battery cell. There is, however, few of investigation for cathodes. Using first-principles based calculations we describe atomic-level process of the SEI layer formation at the interface of a carbonate electrolyte and $LiMn_2O_4$ spinel cathode. Furthermore, using beyond the conventional density functional theory (DFT+U) calculations we examine the work function of the cathode and frontier orbitals of the electrolyte. Based on the results we propose that proton transfer at the interface is an essential mechanism initiating the SEI layer formation in the $LiMn_2O_4$. Our results can guide a design concept for stable and high capacity Li-ion battery cell through screening an optimum electrolyte fine-tuned energy band alignment for a given cathode.

• Journal of the Korean Electrochemical Society
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.156-163
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• 2014

In this study, we tried to improve the cycling performance of lithium-ion batteries by suppressing decomposition of the electrolyte solution containing fluorsilane-based additive. Trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane was electrochemically oxidized and reduced prior to the decomposition of the liquid electrolyte composed of lithium salt and carbonate-based organic solvent. Thus, the stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on both negative electrode and positive electrode was formed, and it was confirmed that the cycling performance of lithium-ion batteries assembled with electrolyte solution containing 5 wt.% trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane was the mostly enhanced. The products formed on electrodes were analyzed by the SEM and XPS analysis, and it was demonstrated that trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane can be one of the promising SEI-forming additives.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.1102-1106
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• 2015

A hybrid supercapacitor (HS) is an energy storage device used to enhance the low weight energy density (Wh/kg) of a supercapacitor. On the other hand, a sudden decrease in capacity has been pointed out as a reliability problem after many charge/discharge cycles. The reliability problem of a HS affects the early aging process. In this study, the capacity performance of a HS was observed after charge/discharge. For detailed analysis of the initial charge/discharge cycles, the charge and discharge curve was measured at a low current density. In addition, a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer was confirmed after the charge/discharge. A HC composed of a lithium titanate (LTO) anode and active carbon cathode was used. The charge/discharge efficiency of the first cycle was lower than the late cycles and the charge/discharge rate was also lower. This behavior was induced by SEI layer formation, which consumed Li ions in the LTO lattice. The formation of a SEI layer after the charge/discharge cycles was confirmed using a range of analysis techniques.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.105-108
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• 2011

The cycling behavior of $Li_4Ti_5O_{12}$ electrode in the ionic liquid (IL)-based electrolytes containing 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide and a small amount of additive (vinylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate) was investigated. The $Li_4Ti_5O_{12}$ electrode in the IL electrolyte with an additive exhibited reversible cycling behavior with good capacity retention. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and FTIR studies revealed that an electrochemically stable solid electrolyte interphase was formed on the $Li_4Ti_5O_{12}$ electrode in the presence of vinylene carbonate and ethylene carbonate during cycling.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.55-60
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• 2019

Herein, the effect of counter anions on the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) in a propylene carbonate (PC)-based electrolyte solution was investigated. Although the reversible capacities were different, reversible intercalation and de-intercalation of lithium ions occurred in the graphite negative electrode in the PC-based electrolyte solutions containing 1 M $LiClO_4$, $LiPF_6$, $LiBF_4$, and $LiCF_3SO_3$ at low temperature ($-15^{\circ}C$). This indicated that the surface films acted as an effective SEI to suppress further co-intercalation and decomposition reactions at low temperature. However, the SEIs formed at the low temperature were unstable in 1 M $LiPF_6$ and $LiBF_4/PC$ at room temperature ($25^{\circ}C$). On the other hand, increasing reversible capacity was confirmed in the case of $LiCF_3SO_3/PC$ at room temperature, because the SEI formed at the low temperature was still maintained. These results suggest that counter anions are an important factor to consider for the formation of effective SEIs in PC-based electrolyte solutions.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
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• 2016.11a
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• pp.97-97
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• 2016

Development of advanced Li-ion battery cells with high durability is critical for safe operation, especially in applications to electric vehicles and portable electronic devices. Understanding fundamental mechanism on the formation of a solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, which plays a substantial role in the electrochemical stability of the Li-ion battery, in a cathode was rarely reported unlike in an anode. Using first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ab-initio molecular dynamic (AIMD) simulations we demonstrate atomic-level process on the generation of the SEI layer at the interface of a carbonate-based electrolyte and a spinel $LiMn_2O_4$ cathode. To accomplish the object we calculate the energy band alignment between the work function of the cathode and frontier orbitals of the electrolyte. We figure out that a proton abstraction from the carbonate-based electrolyte is a critical step for the initiation of an SEI layer formation. Our results can provide a design concept for stable Li-ion batteries by optimizing electrolytes to form proper SEI layers.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.369-376
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• 2023

The quick-charging performance of SiO electrodes is evaluated with a focus on solid electrolyte interphase (SEI)-reinforcing effects. The study reveals that the incorporation of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) into the SiO electrode significantly reduced the electrode fatigue, which is from the the viscoelastic properties of the FEC-derived SEI film. The impact of FEC is attributed to its ability to minimize the mechanical failure of the electrode caused by additional electrolyte decomposition. This beneficial outcome arises from volumetric stain-tolerant characteristics of the FEC-derived SEI film, which limited exposure of the bare SiO surface during 0.5 C-rate cycling. Notably, FEC greatly improves Li deposition during quick-charge cycles following aging at 0.5 C-rate cycling due to its ability to maintain a strong electrical connection between active materials and the current collector, even after extended cycling. Given these findings, we assert that mitigating SEI layer deterioration, which compromises the electrode structure, is vital. Hence, enhancing the interfacial attributes of the SiO electrode becomes crucial for maintaining kinetic efficiency of battery system.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.269-278
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• 2022

Utilization of high-voltage electrolyte additive(s) at a small fraction is a cost-effective strategy for a good solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation and performance improvement of a lithium-rich layered oxide-based high-energy lithium-ion cell by avoiding the occurrence of metal-dissolution that is one of the failure modes. To mitigate metal-dissolution, we explored fluorinated dual-additives of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) and di(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)carbonate (DFDEC) for building-up of a good SEI in a 4.7 V full-cell that consists of high-capacity silicon-graphite composite (15 wt% Si/C/CF/C-graphite) anode and Li_1.13Mn_0.463Ni_0.203Co_0.203O₂ (LMNC) cathode. The full-cell including optimum fractions of dual-additives shows increased capacity to 228 mAhg^-1 at 0.2C and improved performance from the one in the base electrolyte. Surface analysis results find that the SEI stabilization of LMNC cathode induced by dual-additives leads to a suppression of soluble Mn²⁺-O formation at cathode surface, mitigating metal-dissolution event and crack formation as well as structural degradation. The SEI and structure of Si/C/CF/C-graphite anode is also stabilized by the effects of dual-additives, contributing to performance improvement. The data give insight into a basic understanding of cathode-electrolyte and anode-electrolyte interfacial processes and cathode-anode interaction that are critical factors affecting full-cell performance.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.783-786
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• 2009

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and ion chromatography(IC) were employed to analyze the thermal behavior of $Li_xCoO_2$ cathode material of lithium ion battery. The mass loss peaks appearing between 60 and 125 ${^{\circ}C}$ in TGA and the exothermic peaks with 4.9 and 7.0 J/g in DSC around 75 and 85 ${^{\circ}C}$ for the $Li_xCoO_2$ cathodes of 4.20 and 4.35 V cells are explained based on disruption of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film. Low temperature induced HF formation through weak interaction between organic electrolyte and LiF is supposed to cause carbonate film disruption reaction, $Li_2CO_3\;+\;2HF{\rightarrow}\;2LiF\;+\;CO_2\;+\;H_2O$. The different spectral DSC/TGA pattern for the cathode of 4.5 V cell has also been explained. Presence of ionic carbonate in the cathode has been identified by ion chromatography and LiF reported by early researchers has been used for explaining the film SEI disruption process. The absence of mass loss peak for the cathode washed with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) implies ionic nature of the film. The thermal behavior above 150 ${^{\circ}C}$ has also been analyzed and presented.

• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.357-362
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• 2010

Poly(ethyleneglycol diacrylate)(PEGDA) or 2-ethylhexyl acrylate(2EHA)-based gel polymer electrolytes(GPEs) which have a solid content in the range of 8～54 wt% were synthesized and their ionic conductivity and electrochemical properties were measured at room temperature. It was observed that the ionic conductivity over $1\times10^{-3}$ S/cm was obtained in a homogeneous PEGDA-based GPE with 21 wt% of solid content. However the electrochemical stability of the GPE was lower than that of a liquid electrolyte. The presence of AIBN initiator which can produce a N2 gas during polymerization process might be the reason of this low oxidation decomposition potential. As an alternative, benzoyl peroxide was used as an initiator and GPE with enhanced electrochemical stability was obtained. Finally, the formation of stable solid electrolyte interphase on a graphite anode was evidenced by cyclic voltammetry measurement.