Surface chemistry of electrode materials toward improving electrolyte-wettability: A method review

Abstract

The electrolyte-wettability at electrode material/electrolyte interface is a critical factor that governs the fundamental mechanisms of electrochemical reaction efficiency and kinetics of electrode materials in practical electrochemical energy storage. Therefore, the design and construction of electrode material surfaces with improved electrolyte-wettability has been demonstrated to be important to optimize electrochemical energy storage performance of electrode material. Here, we comprehensively summarize advanced strategies and key progresses in surface chemical modification for enhancing electrolyte-wettability of electrode materials, including polar atom doping by post treatment, introducing functional groups, grafting molecular brushes, and surface coating by in situ reaction. Specifically, the basic principles, characteristics, and challenges of these surface chemical strategies for improving electrolyte-wettability of electrode materials are discussed in detail. Finally, the potential research directions regarding the surface chemical strategies and advanced characterization techniques for electrolyte-wettability in the future are provided. This review not only insights into the surface chemical strategies for improving electrolyte-wettability of electrode materials, but also provides strategic guidance for the electrolyte-wettability modification and optimization of electrode materials in pursuing high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices.