Dual-ion batteries (DIBs) generally operate beyond 4.7 V vs Li+/Li-0 and rely on the intercalation of both cations and anions in graphite electrodes. Major challenges facing the development of DIBs are linked to electrolyte decomposition at the cathode-electrolyte interface (CEI), graphite exfoliation, and corrosion of Al current collectors. In this work, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is employed to gain a broad understanding of the nature and dynamics of the CEI built on anion-intercalated graphite cycled both in highly concentrated electrolytes (HCEs) of common lithium salts (LiPF6, LiFSI, and LiTFSI) in carbonate solvents and in a typical ionic liquid. Though AI metal current collectors were adequately stable in all HCEs, the Coulombic efficiency was substantially higher for HCEs based on LiFSI and LiTFSI salts. Specific capacities ranging from 80 to 100 mAh g(-1) were achieved with a Coulombic efficiency above 90% over extended cycling, but cells with LiPF6-based electrolytes were characterized by <70% Coulombic efficiency and specific capacities of merely ca. 60 mAh g(-1). The poor performance in LiPF6-containing electrolytes is indicative of the continual buildup of decomposition products at the interface due to oxidation, forming a thick interfacial layer rich in LixPFy, POxFy, LixPOyFz, and organic carbonates as evidenced by XPS. In contrast, insights from XPS analyses suggested that anion intercalation and deintercalation processes in the range from 3 to 5.1 V give rise to scant or extremely thin surface layers on graphite electrodes cycled in LiFSI- and LiTFSI-containing HCEs, even allowing for probing anions intercalated in the near-surface bulk. In addition, ex situ Raman, SEM and TEM characterizations revealed the presence of a thick coating on graphite particles cycled in LiPF6-based electrolytes regardless of salt concentration, while hardly any surface film was observed in the case of concentrated LiFSI and LiTFSI electrolytes.

Organic-based materials are potential candidates for a new generation of sustainable and environmentally friendly battery technologies, but insights into the structural, kinetic and thermodynamic properties of how these compounds lithiate or sodiate are currently missing. In this regard, benzenediacrylates (BDAs) are here investigated for application as low-potential electrodes in Na-ion and Li-ion batteries. Aided by a joint effort of theoretical and experimental frameworks, we unveil the structural, electronic and electrochemical properties of the Na(2)BDA and Li(2)BDA compounds. The crystal structure of these systems in their different sodiated and lithiated phases have been predicted by an evolutionary algorithm interplayed with density functional theory calculations. Due to difficulties in obtaining useful single crystals for the BDA salts, other methods have been explored in combination with the computational approach. While the predicted structure of the pristine Na(2)BDA compound has been experimentally confirmed through the 3D Electron Diffraction (3DED) technique, the hydrated version of Li(2)BDA is analysed through single crystal X-ray diffraction. The calculated cell voltages for the sodiation (0.63 V vs. Na/Na+) and lithiation (1.12 V vs. Li/Li+) processes display excellent quantitative agreement with experimental findings. These results validate the developed theoretical methodology. Moreover, fundamental aspects of the electronic structures and their relationship with the reaction thermodynamics are discussed. The results suggest a possible disproportionation between the sodiated phases of Na(2)BDA, supporting a two-electron process, and also unveil major differences for the two employed cations: Na+ and Li+.