The essential role of battery electrolytes is undeniable; they are often seen as the „lifeblood“ of a battery. Electrolytes facilitate the movement of ions between the anode and cathode, powering the chemical reactions that generate electricity, without which the energy „circulation“ would cease entirely. Beyond simply serving as a medium for ion transport, electrolytes significantly influence battery performance, efficiency, and overall lifespan.

While advancements in battery performance are being made by incorporating novel electrolyte additives in performance-driven research, the fundamental mechanisms of the electrolyte base—such as the role of solvent chemistries like Ethylene Carbonate (EC) and Dimethyl Carbonate (DMC), Lithium Hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) concentration, and electrolyte volume—remain largely underexplored. A deeper understanding of fundamental electrochemistry is considered just as essential as the development of new materials, and this gap serves as one of the motivations behind this research.

This study, utilizing customized batteries, deconvolutes the complex effects of electrolyte properties on battery aging mechanisms. By precisely controlling variables such as lithium ions concentration and total electrolyte volume, we isolate and identify the contributions of each investigated factor. The degradation behavior will be characterized by capacity loss (State of Health, SoH, versus charge throughput) and analyzed through Incremental Capacity Analysis (ICA), as well as assessments of Ohmic resistance, polarization resistance, and other factors.

Building on experimental data, a physics-based SEI model—focusing on interstitial-diffusion limitations—will be applied to deepen our understanding of how electrolytes influence SEI formation and regeneration, thereby impacting battery degradation behaviors like capacity loss, loss of lithium inventory (LLI), and loss of active material (LAM). As demand for longer-lasting, reliable batteries continues to grow, insights into these fundamental electrolyte components will be instrumental in advancing next-generation battery designs and pioneering new battery technologies.

We anticipate these findings to play a key role in guiding the design of future batteries, contributing to enhanced longevity, efficiency, and overall stability, as foundational studies often support the development of new electrolytes. Ultimately, this work aims to bridge the knowledge gap between performance-enhancing additives and the essential chemistry of core electrolyte components, offering deeper insights into the underlying processes of battery degradation and making future batteries safer and cheaper.