Li solvation and kinetics of Li-BF/PF ion pairs in ethylene carbonate. A molecular dynamics study with classical rate theories.

Using our polarizable force-field models and employing classical rate theories of chemical reactions, we examine the ethylene carbonate (EC) exchange process between the first and second solvation shells around Li and the dissociation kinetics of ion pairs Li-[BF] and Li-[PF] in this solvent. We calculate the exchange rates using transition state theory and correct them with transmission coefficients computed by the reactive flux, Impey, Madden, and McDonald approaches, and Grote-Hynes theory. We found that the residence times of EC around Li ions varied from 60 to 450 ps, depending on the correction method used. We found that the relaxation times changed significantly from Li-[BF] to Li-[PF] ion pairs in EC. Our results also show that, in addition to affecting the free energy of dissociation in EC, the anion type also significantly influences the dissociation kinetics of ion pairing.