Quantifying total superoxide, peroxide, and carbonaceous compounds in metal–O2 batteries and the solid electrolyte interphase

Passivation layers on electrode materials are ubiquitous in nonaqueous battery chemistries and strongly govern performance and lifetime. They comprise breakdown products of the electrolyte including carbonate, alkyl carbonates, alkoxides, carboxylates, and polymers. Parasitic chemistry in metal–O2 batteries forms similar products and is tied to the deviation of the O2 balance from the ideal stoichiometry during formation/decomposition of alkaline peroxides or superoxides. Accurate and integral quantification of carbonaceous species and peroxides or superoxides in battery electrodes remains, however, elusive. We present a refined procedure to quantify them accurately and sensitively by pointing out and rectifying pitfalls of previous procedures. Carbonaceous compounds are differentiated into inorganic and organic ones. We combine mass and UV–vis spectrometry to quantify evolved O2 and complexed peroxide and CO2 evolved from carbonaceous compounds by acid treatment and Fenton’s reaction. The capabilities of the method are exemplified by means of Li–O2 and Na–O2 cathodes, graphite anodes, and LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 cathodes.