Water-in-salt widens the electrochemical stability window: Thermodynamic and kinetic factors

Abstract Originating from the 1.23 V potential window of pure water, the narrow electrochemical stability window (ESW) has always been the most stubborn problem for aqueous battery systems. However, the water-in-salt system magically widens the ESW of aqueous electrolyte from 1.23 V to above 3 V by the super-concentrated LiTFSI solution. The mechanisms of widening aqueous battery ESW have been a crucial topic, in which the significant factors, including unique solid-electrolyte interface, solvation structure, and others, have been highlighted. Here, we specify the concept of ESW in detail and review the influence factors of ESW in the water-in-salt system from both thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives to explore the importance of each factor.