Interfacial reactions between graphite and propylene carbonate-based solution after pre-generating a solid electrolyte interface

Abstract

Lithium intercalation reaction at a graphite electrode in 1 mol dm(-3) of LiClO4 dissolved in propylene carbonate was investigated after pre-generating a solid electrolyte interface on the graphite in an ethylene carbonate-based electrolyte. Lithiated-graphite compounds were generated between 0 and 0.224 V versus Li/Li+, even though pure propylene carbonate was used as the electrolyte solvent. However, continuous decomposition of electrolyte and exfoliation of the graphene layer occurred at potentials >0.224 V versus Li/Li+. The analysis of electrical behaviour using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the higher the electrode potential, the higher would be the porosity of the solid electrolyte interface.