Interface Structure in Li-Metal/[Pyr₁₄][TFSI]-Ionic Liquid System from ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Ionic liquids (ILs) are promising materials for application in a new generation of Li batteries. They can be used as electrolyte or interlayer or incorporated into other materials. ILs have the ability to form a stable solid electrochemical interface (SEI), which plays an important role in protecting the Li-based electrode from oxidation and the electrolyte from extensive decomposition. Experimentally, it is hardly possible to elicit fine details of the SEI structure. To remedy this situation, we have performed a comprehensive computational study (density functional theory-based molecular dynamics) to determine the composition and structure of the SEI compact layer formed between the Li anode and [Pyr₁₄][TFSI] IL. We found that the [TFSI] anions quickly reacted with Li and decomposed, unlike the [Pyr₁₄] cations which remained stable. The obtained SEI compact layer structure is nonhomogeneous and consists of the atomized S, N, O, F, and C anions oxidized by Li atoms.