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Abstract Traditional linear carbonates including dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) were investigated as co-solvents for the dimethyl-2,5-dioxahexane carboxylate (DMOHC)-based electrolyte in Na0.97Ca0.03[Mn0.39Fe0.31Ni0.22Zn0.08]O2 (NCMFNZO)/hard carbon (HC) pouch cells. The EMC-containing cell displays excellent electrochemical performance, exhibiting only a 1.6 mAh irreversible capacity loss during 500 hours of storage at 4V and 40°C, and maintaining over 80% capacity retention after 200 cycles up to 4V at 40°C. Severe gas evolution and Na plating issues are present in all the tested systems. 

Abstract Realizing extreme fast charging (XFC) in lithium‐ion batteries for electric vehicles is still challenging due to the insufficient lithium‐ion transport kinetics, especially in the electrolyte. Herein, a novel high‐performance electrolyte (HPE) consisting of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆) and carbonates is proposed and tested in pilot‐scale, 2‐Ah pouch cells. Moreover, the origin of improved electrochemical performance is comprehensively studied via various characterizations, suggesting that the proposed HPE exhibits high ionic conductivity and excellent electrochemical stability at high charging rate of 6‐C. Therefore, the HPE‐based pouch cells deliver improved discharge specific capacity and excellent long‐term cyclability up to 1500 cycles under XFC conditions, which is superior to the conventional state‐of‐the‐art baseline electrolyte. 

A multiphysics study evaluates the mechanical–electrochemical–thermal response and fundamental mechanisms of SIBs under mechanical abuse, explores key safety parameters, and compares the safety of SIBs and LIBs under mechanical loading. 

By employing 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl) pyrazole (TFMP) as an electrolyte additive in both aqueous and non-aqueous mediums, a versatile interphase strategy is achieved. This facilitates stable Zn anodes with improved efficiency and longer cycling life. 

The effects of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) electrolyte additive on charged sodium ion electrode/electrolyte reactivity at elevated temperatures were investigated using accelerating rate calorimetry (ARC). The beneficial effect of FEC on cell lifetime was demonstrated using Na_0.97Ca_0.03[Mn_0.39Fe_0.31Ni_0.22Zn_0.08]O₂(NCMFNZO)/hard carbon (HC) pouch cells first prior to ARC measurements. Electrodes from these pouch cells were utilized as sample materials and 1.0 M NaPF₆in propylene carbonate (PC):ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) (1:1 by vol.) was chosen as control electrolyte. Adding 2 wt% and 5 wt% FEC to the electrolyte does not significantly affect the reactivity of de-sodiated NCMFNZO compared to the control electrolyte. However, the addition of FEC obviously changed the reactivity between sodiated HC and electrolytes, especially by showing a suppression on the exothermal behavior between 160 °C and 230 °C. These results give a head to head comparison of the reactivity of FEC additive containing electrolytes with charged sodium ion electrode materials at elevated temperatures and show that the use of FEC at additive levels should not compromise the cell safety when extending cell lifetime. 

Despite substantial research efforts in developing high-voltage sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as high-energy-density alternatives to complement lithium-ion-based energy storage technologies, the lifetime of high-voltage SIBs is still associated with many fundamental scientific questions. In particular, the structure phase transition, oxygen loss, and cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI) decay are intensely discussed in the field. Synchrotron X-ray and neutron scattering characterization techniques offer unique capabilities for investigating the complex structure and dynamics of high-voltage cathode behavior. In this review, to accelerate the development of stable high-voltage SIBs, we provide a comprehensive and thorough overview of the use of synchrotron X-ray and neutron scattering in studying SIB cathode materials with an emphasis on high-voltage layered transition metal oxide cathodes. We then discuss these characterizations in relation to polyanion-type cathodes, Prussian blue analogues, and organic cathode materials. Finally, future directions of these techniques in high-voltage SIB research are proposed, including CEI studies for polyanion-type cathodes and the extension of neutron scattering techniques, as well as the integration of morphology and phase characterizations. 

Despite extensive research efforts to develop non-aqueous sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) as alternatives to lithium-based energy storage battery systems, their performance is still hindered by electrode-electrolyte side reactions. As a feasible strategy, the engineering of electrolyte additives has been regarded as one of the effective ways to address these critical problems. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent progress in electrolyte additives for non-aqueous SIBs. We classify the additives based on their effects on specific electrode materials and discuss the functions and mechanisms of each additive category. Finally, we propose future directions for electrolyte additive research, including studies on additives for improving cell performance under extreme conditions, optimizing electrolyte additive combinations, understanding the effect of additives on cathode-anode interactions, and understanding the characteristics of electrolyte additives.