Solvation engineering in lithium-ion batteries: from fundamental mechanisms to electrolyte design
摘要
Lithium-ion batteries, with their exceptional electrochemical performance, have emerged as the dominant technology in energy storage, sparking intense global research interest. Extensive studies have demonstrated that the design and optimization of electrolytes play a pivotal role in enhancing battery performance. The deliberate design of solvation structures has become a fundamental strategy in battery research, complementing the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) theory. This solvation engineering approach, based on classical solvation theories, impacts multiple critical aspects of battery operation. Therefore, a deeper understanding of electrolyte engineering holds significant scientific and practical importance. This review provides novel insights into the design principles and performance optimization strategies for lithium-ion battery electrolytes from the perspective of solvation engineering. The discussion systematically elucidates the physicochemical properties, functional mechanisms, and structural requirements of key electrolyte components. It identifies the driving forces governing solvation structure formation, categorizes lithium-ion solvation structures, and clarifies the impact of solvation processes on electrochemical performance. Furthermore, the review presents a detailed analysis of electrolyte solvation processes and proposes targeted optimization strategies to enhance battery performance, aiming to establish a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for developing high-performance lithium-ion batteries.