Improved Performance of Lithium-ion Cells at Low Temperature

79469 When lithium-ion batteries operate at low temperatures, they exhibit poor performance relative to the performance at room temperatures. This hinders their applications in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) due to poor cold cranking properties. This project will develop technology to improve the low tempearture performance of lithium-ion battery electrolyte through the use of anion receptor additives. These receptors are highly effective in dissociating ion pairs and forming a complex with the electrolyte anions, thereby improving ionic conductivity and interfacial impedance. Phase I will (1) prepare the proposed additive-based lithium-ion battery electrolytes, (2) measure ionic conductivity of the electrolytes with and without boron additives at low temperatures, (3) develop prototype cells with the developed electrolytes; and (4) evaluate the performance of prototype cells and assess technical feasibility. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should lead to the development of a highly effective low temperature performance electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries.