A quantitative theory based on cation–solvent and anion–solvent affinity has been developed to elucidate the solvation microstructure of electrolytes. This unified framework can simultaneously predict electrolyte structure, transport properties, and interfacial behaviour. Thus, the framework provides a solvent-specific design platform for the development of high-performance electrolytes.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals
Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription
$32.99 / 30 days
cancel any time
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 digital issues and online access to articles
$119.00 per year
only $9.92 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on SpringerLink
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

References
Meng, Y. S., Srinivasan, V. & Xu, K. Designing better electrolytes. Science 378, eabq3750 (2022). A review article that presents how electrolytes and their associated interphases are central to supporting diverse battery chemistries.
Fang, C. et al. Elucidating the molecular origins of the transference number in battery electrolytes using computer simulations. JACS Au 3, 306–315 (2023). A review article that presents the dominant theoretical approaches used to predict transport behaviour in Li electrolytes.
Borodin, O., Behl, W. & Jow, T. R. Oxidative stability and initial decomposition reactions of carbonate, sulfone, and alkyl phosphate-based electrolytes. J. Phys. Chem. C 117, 8661–8682 (2013). This paper demonstrates that anion–solvent interactions can reduce the oxidative stability of battery electrolytes.
Hobold, G. M. et al. Moving beyond 99.9% Coulombic efficiency for lithium anodes in liquid electrolytes. Nat. Energy 6, 951–960 (2021). A review article that presents historical electrolyte developments underlying increases in Coulombic efficiency and discusses emerging frameworks to increase this efficiency beyond 99.9%.
McEldrew, M. et al. Salt-in-ionic-liquid electrolytes: Ion network formation and negative effective charges of alkali metal cations. J. Phys. Chem. B 125, 13752–13766 (2021). This paper explores a thermodynamically consistent theory governing ionic clustering and network formation in salt-in-ionic liquids.
Additional information
Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
This is a summary of: Li, R. et al. Unified affinity paradigm for the rational design of high-efficiency lithium metal electrolytes. Nat. Energy https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-025-01842-5 (2025).
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Affinity-driven electrolyte design. Nat Energy 10, 1060–1061 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-025-01859-w
Published:
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-025-01859-w