The majority of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) utilize carbonate-based electrolytes, due to the good lithium solvation, electrochemical stability, and electrode passivation.¹ Studies regarding decomposition pathways and other reaction mechanisms^2-4 of carbonates in LIBs are abundant in the literature but few attempt to quantify total losses of these solvents. Quantitative measurement of solvent loss from the electrolyte would significantly inform the comprehensive picture of electrolyte reaction mechanisms in the cell. Furthermore, this approach allows for the study of any effects additives may have on carbonate solvent decomposition. For example, organosilicon (OS) additives have been shown to reduce gassing and improve high temperature cycling in carbonate-based LIBs,⁵ but their quantitative impact on EC decomposition is not known.

In this poster, we detail our methodology for quantitatively tracking and characterizing different forms of ethylene carbonate (EC) decomposition in a LIB pouch cell as well as the effects of organosilicon additives on these reactions. This study focused on the loss of EC after the first charge when the majority of SEI formation occurs. Liquid phase composition, including both EC and its decomposition products, was quantified by NMR analysis (¹H and ¹⁹F) of extracted electrolyte using internal standards (LiPF₆ and 1,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene). Gas phase decomposition was characterized by a combination of the Archimedes method (to quantify gas volume) and GC-MS analysis (to determine gas composition). Finally, the impact of OS additives on the decomposition pathways of EC was examined. Inclusion of OS molecules reduces EC decomposition during the first charge, predominately by reducing the amount of liquid phase decomposition.

¹Xu, K. Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 4303-4417.

² Campion, C.; Li, W.; Lucht, B. Thermal Decomposition of LiPF_6­-Based Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries. Journal of the Electrochemical Society 2005, 152, A2327.

³ Seo, D.; Chalasani, D.; Parimalam, B.; Kadam, R.; Nie, M.; Lucht, B. Reduction Reactions of Carbonate Solvents for Lithium Ion Batteries. EC Electrochemistry Letters 2014, 3, A91-A93.

⁴ Xing, L.; Li, W.; Wang, C.; Gu, F.; Xu, M.; Tan, C.; Yi, J. Theoretical Investigation on Oxidative Stability of Solvents and Oxidative Decomposition Mechanism of Ethylene Carbonate for Lithium Ion Battery Use. J. Phys. Chem. 2009, 113, 16596-16602.

⁵ Guillot, S.L.; Usrey, M.L.; Peña-Hueso, A.; Kerber, B.M.; Zhou, L.; Du, P.; Johnson, T. Reduced Gassing in Lithium-Ion Batteries with Organosilicon Additives. J. Electrochem. Soc. 2021, 168, 030533-030543.