Lithium Bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide丨CAS 90076-65-6

1. Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs)

LiTFSI is used as a lithium salt in the electrolyte solution of lithium-ion batteries, often as a replacement or complement to LiPF₆. It enhances:

Ionic conductivity

Thermal stability of the electrolyte

Cycle life of the battery

Safety, by reducing gas formation and decomposition risks

It is compatible with:

Liquid electrolytes (carbonate-based solvents)

Solid polymer electrolytes (e.g., PEO-based)

Gel polymer electrolytes

Applications:

Consumer electronics

Electric vehicles (EVs)

Energy storage systems (ESS)

2. Solid-State and Polymer Electrolytes

LiTFSI is a preferred lithium source for solid polymer electrolytes due to:

High dissociation ability (free lithium ions)

Low interaction with polymer matrices

It is widely used with polyethylene oxide (PEO) or other polymer matrices to prepare solid-state batteries (SSBs) or all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs), which are seen as the future of safe, high-energy-density storage.

3. Supercapacitors

LiTFSI is employed in the electrolyte of electrochemical capacitors (supercapacitors) for:

Higher ionic mobility

Extended voltage range

Enhanced power density

It can be used in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems.

4. Ionic Liquids and Electrolyte Additive

LiTFSI is soluble in and compatible with a wide range of ionic liquids, which are used in:

Advanced energy storage devices

Electrochemical actuators

Electroplating and electropolishing

In this context, LiTFSI contributes to low flammability, non-volatility, and long-term electrolyte stability.

5. Electrochemical Devices

It is also useful in:

Lithium metal batteries

Lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries

Lithium-air (Li–O₂) batteries

Redox flow batteries

LiTFSI helps improve ionic conductivity in low dielectric constant media and stabilizes interfaces (e.g., Li-metal anode/electrolyte).

6. Catalysis and Synthesis

In some chemical syntheses, LiTFSI is used:

As a supporting electrolyte in electrosynthesis

In ionic liquid formation

As a phase-transfer agent or acid catalyst substitute

✅ High Electrochemical Stability

LiTFSI has a wide electrochemical window (up to 5.5V), making it suitable for high-voltage cathodes and next-generation batteries.

✅ Excellent Thermal Stability

Thermally stable up to 300°C, far superior to LiPF₆, making it ideal for high-temperature operations and safer battery systems.

✅ Low Hygroscopicity and Non-Corrosiveness

Unlike LiPF₆, LiTFSI does not release HF (hydrofluoric acid) upon hydrolysis, reducing risks of corrosion and improving the lifetime of electrodes.

✅ High Ionic Conductivity

Enhances ion transport in both liquid and solid-state systems, which improves power output and charge/discharge efficiency.

✅ Chemical Compatibility

Compatible with a broad range of solvents, polymers, and electrode materials, allowing versatile formulation of electrolytes.

✅ Reduced Side Reactions

Its stable anion (TFSI⁻) minimizes side reactions, SEI layer degradation, and thermal decomposition in comparison with other lithium salts.