A mini review on the interfacial compatibility of propylene carbonate-based electrolytes with electrodes: origin, characterization, development and theoretical calculation

The compatibility between electrolyte and electrode has always been a key issue in the field of rechargeable batteries because the electrolyte/electrode interface is the main site where the reaction occurs. In particular, an electrolyte with a conventional concentration consisting of propylene carbonate (PC) and lithium salt is incompatible with a graphite anode, and this is a classic problem that has attracted significant attention of researchers working on in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this case, we summarize the research progress on the compatibility between PC-based electrolytes and graphite anodes, including its origin, in situ characterization of graphite anodes, properties and characterization of PC-based electrolytes, strategies for improving the compatibility between PC-based electrolytes and graphite anodes, and theoretical calculations. Among these, strategies, including coating the graphite anode with another component, adding solid electrolyte interphase (SEI)-film additives and adjusting Li⁺ solvation state in the electrolyte, are prominently discussed. Moreover, the strategies for improving the compatibility between PC-based solutions with graphite anodes could be further extended to lithium anodes and other cathodes. Thus, this review will assist readers in understanding the importance of interfacial compatibility and various approaches to reform the compatibility between PC-based electrolytes and electrodes to improve the performance of LIBs.