Rechargeable Lithium-ion Cells Containing Ambient Temperature Molten Salts

Feasibility of rechargeable lithium-ion cells utilizing two ambient temperature molten salt electrolytes will be investigated. The anions of these electrolytes will be resistant to oxidation; the cation of one of the electrolytes will be resistant to both oxidation and reduction; therefore, in such electrolytes both cathode and anode will be electrochemically stable. The electrolytes will be prepared and their properties will be determined. Stability of cathode and anode in the electrolytes will also be measured. Lithium-ion cells will be fabricated and their performance will be evaluated. It is expected that results obtained will demonstrate low self-discharge, long cycle life, and thermal and electrochemical stability, thus confirming the feasibility of the lithium-ion rechargeable cells constructed with ambient temperature molten salt electrolytes.