1,3-Propylene Sulfone Lactone: The Secret Weapon Ensuring the Electrochemical Performance of Lithium Batteries

Introduction to 1,3-Propylene Sulfonate Lactone (PST)

1,3-Propenesultone (PST) has the molecular formula C ₃ H ₆ O ₃ S, with a molecular weight of 120.13, has a melting point of 83–84°C and a boiling point of 118°C (at 0.1 mmHg). PST is an unsaturated cyclic sulfonate that has gradually attracted attention since its first report in the late 1950s. The presence of a sulfonic acid group and an unsaturated double bond in its molecule endows PST with a higher reduction potential than 1,3‑PS, enabling it to preferentially decompose at the electrode surface and form a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film. ^[1] In 2002, Hibara et al. of Mitsui Chemicals first proposed using PST as an electrolyte additive in lithium-ion batteries. ^[2] . Due to the structural similarity and analogous decomposition mechanism between PST and 1,3-PS, PST has been recognized as a substitute for 1,3-PS as an additive in lithium-ion electrolytes.

Uses of PST

Applications of PST in Lithium Batteries

1,3‑Propylene sulfone (PST), as an important electrolyte additive, plays a crucial role in lithium‑ion batteries by significantly enhancing their overall electrochemical performance. Its mechanism of action primarily involves preferential redox reactions at the electrode surfaces, leading to the formation of a stable, uniform solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film. This is manifested in three key aspects.

1. Suppress gas evolution and enhance the battery’s high-temperature performance.

K. J. Nelson et al. investigated the role of PST in the NCM111/C battery system and found that batteries containing 2% PST exhibited significantly lower gas evolution during high‑temperature storage and cycling compared with the control group containing 2% VC. 1,3‑Propylene Sulfone (PST) enhances the thermal stability of batteries during high‑temperature (60°C) storage and suppresses both voltage fade and the increase in internal impedance over time. ^[3]

2. Enhancing the stability of the battery cathode

Bin Li et al. ^[4] The study investigated the improvement of LiMn by PST. ₂ O ₄ The role of cathode stability. During charge–discharge cycling, LiMn2O4 exhibits the Jahn–Teller effect in its Mn3+ state, leading to structural instability of the cathode material, particle cracking, and severe manganese dissolution, which degrades the battery’s cycle life. In contrast, batteries incorporating 5% 1,3‑propanesultone (PST) can form a stable interfacial film on the cathode, suppress Mn3+ dissolution, enhance cathode stability, and improve cycle performance.

3. Compatible with high-capacity cathodes, enhancing high-voltage performance.

High-voltage lithium-rich manganese-based cathodes have emerged as next-generation core materials for lithium batteries due to their high specific capacity; however, severe interfacial side reactions compromise the battery’s cycling performance. Wenqiang Tu and colleagues demonstrated that incorporating 2 wt% of 1,3‑propylene sulfone (PST) into high-voltage lithium‑rich manganese systems can enhance the stability of the cathode material, increase the initial discharge capacity, and improve the battery’s cycling performance. ^[5]

Other fields

The molecular structure of 1,3‑propenesulfonate lactone (PST) incorporates a carbon–carbon double bond, a five-membered ring, and a sulfonyl group. The high ring strain of the five-membered ring, combined with the strong electron-withdrawing effect of the sulfonyl group, markedly enhances the molecule’s reactivity, making it an important intermediate in agrochemical and pharmaceutical synthesis. ^[6] PST is widely employed in organic synthesis; it can undergo the Diels–Alder reaction with dienes, as well as a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with nitrones to afford nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, and it can also be used for the preparation of sulfonamide derivatives. ^[7]

References:

[1] Bo Tong, Ziyu Song, Huihai Wan, et al. Sulfur-containing compounds as electrolyte additives for lithium-ion batteries[J]. InfoMat., 2021, 3, 1-29.

[2] Hibara A, Ishida T. Non-aqueous electrolyte, secondary battery using the electrolyte, and additive for electrolyte[P]. JP2002329528A, 2002.

[3] K. J. Nelson, Jian Xia, J. R. Dahn. Studies of the effect of varying prop-1-ene-1,3-sultone content in lithium ion pouch cells[J]. J. Electrochem. Soc., 2014, 161, A1884-A1889.

[4] Bin Li, Yaqiong Wang, Haibo Rong, et al. A novel electrolyte with the ability to form a solid electrolyte interface on the anode and cathode of a LiMn2O4/graphite battery[J]. J. Mater. Chem. A, 2013, 1, 12954-12961.

[5] Wenqiang Tu, Yucheng Wen, Changchun Ye, et al. Phase transformation of lithium-rich oxide cathode in full cell and its suppression by solid electrolyte interphase on graphite anode. Energy Environ. Mater. 2020, 3, 19-28.

[6] Jiang Yugui, Weng Yeqin, Zhang Chao. A method for preparing 1,3-propylene sulfonate lactone [P]. CN118146188, 2024.

[7] Liu Xuesong, Wei Wangguo, Guo Jisong, et al. A method for preparing 1,3-propylene sulfone lactone [P]. CN118878443, 2024.

Technical Challenges and Optimization of 1,3-Propylene Sulfonate Lactone (PST)

When PST is used alone as a lithium-ion electrolyte additive, the SEI film formed on the negative electrode is relatively thick, leading to increased battery impedance.
Current mainstream strategy:
1. Precise control of the addition amount;

2. It synergizes with low‑impedance additives to form a thin yet robust composite interface.

3. Further reduce battery impedance through functional molecular design or solvation‑structure modulation.

Cheerchem Advanced Material’ PST products

Cheerchem Advanced Material consistently upholds the principles of technological innovation and process optimization, successfully developing PST products with outstanding performance. Our products boast the following core advantages:

High purity: Product purity remains stable at 99.5% or higher.

Quality Assurance: Leveraging advanced manufacturing processes and rigorous quality control, we ensure batch-to-batch consistency and product stability.

Supply Advantage: Ample production capacity and a stable supply chain, with long-term service to the lithium‑ion battery industry.

Quality Service: We not only deliver high-quality products but also leverage our deep technical expertise to provide customers with rapid response and comprehensive technical support.

About Cheerchem Advanced Material

Cheerchem Advanced Material is a high-tech enterprise specializing in the R&D, production, and sales of lithium-ion electrolyte additives, lithium salt electrolytes, and functional organosilicon materials. The company operates four subsidiaries: Shandong Cheerchem Advanced Material Co., Ltd., Fuzhou Cheerchem New Energy Materials Co., Ltd., Suzhou Qizhu New Materials Co., Ltd., and Hangzhou Sulong Materials Technology Co., Ltd. By continuously monitoring industry trends, the company has developed a range of functional additives tailored to diverse cathode and anode chemistries and application scenarios. With an annual production capacity of 36,900 tons of lithium‑battery electrolyte additives, it offers an extensive product portfolio that enhances key electrochemical performance metrics, including high and low temperature stability, high voltage tolerance, fast‑charge capability, cycle life, safety, and overall system stability. In addition, the company has established a comprehensive management system and obtained ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949, and Level 2 certification for workplace safety, steadily advancing toward sustainable, robust, and rapid growth.

Cheerchem Advanced Material has been deeply engaged in the lithium‑ion battery electrolyte sector for many years and is one of the world’s earliest suppliers of electrolyte additives. Through continuous technological innovation, the company delivers safer, more environmentally friendly, high‑quality products and services that meet customer needs, helping to build a better life for the nation, creating value for our clients, and adding vibrant color to the world!