Iron fluroide-lithium metal batteries in bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide-based ionic liquid electrolytes

The aviation industry's shift toward electrification demands greater energy density and enhanced cell safety compared to commercial lithium-ion batteries. 

Transition metal fluoride cathodes can store multiple lithium ions per metal centre through a conversion reaction mechanism, resulting in a 3-fold increase in capacity compared to intercalation compounds.  Additionally, fluoride cathodes exhibit remarkable thermal stability due to the ionic nature of the metal fluoride bond, however, their practical implementation faces challenges due to their limited electronic and ionic conductivity.  

In the paper 'Iron fluroide-lithium metal batteries in bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide-based ionic liquid electrolytes' (published in Cells Reports Physical Science) , the Pasta Group, together with the US Army's Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Centre addressed this issue by conducting a comprehensive investigation of FeF₂-Li metal cells in a lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide N-propyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ionic liquid electrolyte. 

They explored the effects of FeF₂ particle size, the distribution of conductive additives within the electrode, and the influence of the bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anion on electrochemical behaviour and its evolution throughout cycling.  

Their findings suggest that the rate requirements for electric aviation could be met at 80^oC.