Characterization of the lithium-organic electrolyte interface containing inorganic and organic additives by in situ techniques

New inorganic additives, tin(II) iodide and aluminum iodide (AlI3), improved charge/discharge cycling efficiency of a lithium (Li) electrode in propylene carbonate electrolyte containing lithium perchlorate as the electrolytic salt. The combination of different types of additive, i.e., the addition of AlI3 together with 2-methylfuran to the electrolyte, resulted in an excellent cycling efficiency of the Li electrode. The electrochemical behavior of an Li electrolyte-organic electrolyte interface was investigated by in situ techniques such as a.c. impedance measurements and scanning vibrating electrode technique. The relation between the Li rechargeability and the interfacial behavior of the Li electrode in the organic electrolyte in the absence and the presence of the additives was discussed.