The interphases play a key role in enabling Li-ion intercalation chemistries in non-aqueous electrolytes, in which solvents reduction mainly contribute the chemical building blocks ^{1, 2}. Recently Suo et al discovered for the first time that such protective interphases could be formed in aqueous media via manipulation of the Li-ion solvation structure ³. This discovery opened a window to an entirely new world, and makes it possible to employ aqueous electrolytes to replace the inflammable and toxic non-aqueous components that induces huge cost in processing, safety management as well as packaging ⁴. This talk will summarize the newest progress achieved in this new direction.

 

1.  K. Xu, Chem. Rev., 2004, 104, 4303
2.  K. Xu, Chem. Rev., 2014, 114, 11503
3.  L. Suo, O. Borodin, T. Gao, M. Olguin, J. Ho, X. Fan, C. Luo, C. Wang, and K. Xu, Science, 2015, 350, 938
4.  L. Smith, and B. Dunn, Science, 2015, 350, 918