Omics-enabled understanding of electric aircraft battery electrolytes

Abstract

Omics is a discipline that identifies and quantifies molecular processes that contribute to the form and function of living systems. Here, we translate omics to study battery systems. By employing precision analytical capabilities across chemical space, we delineate the structure, function, and evolution of interphases when cycling Li-nickel manganese oxide (NMC)811 cells at high power and high voltage with mixed-salt locally superconcentrated electrolytes. Despite differences in their make-up, top-performing electrolytes converged in their cathode–electrolyte interphase (CEI) chemistries, which were unexpectedly enriched with fluoroethers (upregulation) and depleted with LiF (downregulation). Moreover, these atypical CEIs more effectively suppressed leakage current, cathode corrosion, and cathode fracturing, extending battery life. Pouch cells (130 mAh) assembled with 50-μm-thick Li foil, semi-solid NMC811 electrodes (9 mAh cm⁻²), and lean electrolyte (2.2 Ah g⁻¹) showed excellent power retention over more than 100 cycles using a realistic mission for electric vertical take-off and landing.