Complexation of F^– by Li⁺ and Mg²⁺ Ions as Inorganic Anion Acceptorsin Lactone-Based Li⁺/F^– and Mg²⁺/F^– Hybrid Electrolytes for Fluoride Shuttle Batteries

Abstract The development of high-quality fluoride-ion transporting electrolytes is a crucial demand for fluoride shuttle batteries (FSBs). However, the uncontrolled chemical and electrochemical activities of fluoride ions narrow the available potential window, hindering the development of high-voltage FSB cells. We present a method for upgrading recently developed lactone-based liquid fluoride electrolytes by complexation of F– with Li+ and Mg2+ ions. In the resultant Li+/F– and Mg2+/F– hybrid electrolytes, Li2F+ and MgF+ were the most probable soluble complexes, and the effective fluoride concentrations could reach ~0.15 M along with excess Li+(Mg2+) ions. Unique interactions between F– and Li+ (Mg2+) were observed using 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Li+(Mg2+) ions thus served as inorganic anion acceptors with ultimate redox stabilities to expand the negative potential window of the electrolytes to near -3 V vs. SHE. The proposed complex formation was also supported by a conductometric titration method. We demonstrated the superior and versatile electrochemical performances of the Li+/F– hybrid electrolyte, which enabled reversible charge/discharge reactions of various metal electrodes and composite electrodes in a wide range of redox series. Furthermore, the Li+ /F– hybrid electrolyte opened valid new reaction paths for aluminum, making it a promising negative electrode in high-voltage FSB cells.