(Invited) Expanding Electrochemical Stability Window of Electrolytes

As the essential component in any energy storage device, electrolyte determines a number of key performances of the device, including temperature range for service, rate of electrochemical reaction, safety under both normal and abusive operations, cycle/calendar life as well as the maximum voltage and capacity allowed. Among these, the electrochemical stability window is perhaps the most intriguing property, because in almost all electrochemical devices, the electrodes operate at potentials far beyond what thermodynamics allowed. This group at ARL has been trying to understand this basic phenomenon and exploring various means to affect the surface chemistry at electrode/electrolyte junctions, so that this stability window could be expanded. This talk will summarize these recent efforts.