A critical analysis of chemical and electrochemical oxidation mechanisms in Li-ion batteries

Electrolyte decomposition limits the lifetime of commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and slows the adoption of next-generation energy storage technologies. Fundamental understanding of electrolyte degradation is critical to rationally design stable and energy-dense LIBs. To date, most explanations for electrolyte decomposition at LIB positive electrodes rely on ethylene carbonate (EC) being chemically oxidized by evolved singlet oxygen (1O2) or electrochemically oxidized. In this work, we apply density functional theory to assess the feasibility of these mechanisms. We find that electrochemical oxidation is unfavorable at any potential reached during normal LIB operation, and we predict that previously reported reactions between EC and 1O2 are kinetically limited at room temperature. Our calculations suggest an alternative mechanism, in which EC reacts with superoxide (O2^–1) and/or peroxide (O2^–2) anions. This work provides a new perspective on LIB electrolyte decomposition and motivates further studies to understand reactivity at positive electrodes.