New and Improved Nonaqueous Electrolyte Components - Salts and Solvents

A need exists to significantly improve the low temperature performance of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries presently being developed for U.S. Army field applications. State-of-the-art Li-ion battery performance rapidly declines as the temperature falls below -20°C; yet high rate capability with useful battery capacity at temperatures as low as -40°C is required to meet warfighter requirements on the battlefield. To solve this problem, we have developed some novel Li-ion battery electrolyte formulations that incorporate a new class of electrolyte additives. During Phase I the new electrolytes demonstrated excellent low temperature rate capabilities in well-engineered Li-ion cells. During Phase II the new electrolyte formulations will be further evaluated in Li-ion cells and batteries over a broad spectrum of temperatures. These novel Li-ion battery electrolytes will provide a simple and cost-effective solution for the low temperature performance problem while enabling Li-ion battery performance at temperatures up to 80°C.