Integrating Molecular Dynamics and Machine Learning for Solvation-Guided Electrolyte Optimization in Lithium Metal Batteries.

Journal: Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
Published Date:

Abstract

Optimizing liquid electrolytes is essential for achieving long-term cycling stability and high safety in lithium metal batteries. However, severe side reactions and lithium dendrite formation during repeated cycling lead to low Coulombic efficiency (CE) and limited lifespan. Herein, a rapid and cost-effective strategy that integrates high-throughput molecular dynamics simulations with machine learning predictions is proposed, further validated through experimental evaluation. A mixed electrolyte composed of LiFSI (LiN(SOF)) as the main salt, DEE (1,2-diethoxyethane) as the solvent, and LiNFS (LiCFSO) as an additive achieves a significantly improved CE of 98.32%. Key molecular descriptors are identified for each performance label, and the most accurate model is selected through rigorous benchmarking. The optimal region reveals a preference for medium-to-high salt concentrations; low C, O, and N content; and high F content in salts, along with high C and low O content in solvents. This framework enables reusable and resource-efficient modeling for targeted electrolyte design and accelerated optimization.

Authors

  • Xiwang Chang
    School of Materials Science & Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China.
  • Yang Yang
    Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
  • Weiheng Xu
    College of Big Data and Intelligent Engineering, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, 650223, Yunnan, China.
  • Zhe Wang
    Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China.
  • Wenhan Li
    Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, China.
  • Hongda Gao
    Zhejiang Golden Feather New Energy Technology Co., Ltd, Huzhou, 313300, China.
  • Dubin Huang
    Zhejiang Golden Feather New Energy Technology Co., Ltd, Huzhou, 313300, China.
  • Aijun Li
    School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
  • Yaofeng Zhu
    Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. feng2209@163.com.

Keywords

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