Alkyl Pyrocarbonate Electrolyte Additives for Li-Ion Cells

Alkyl pyrocarbonates have been found to be useful as electrolyte additives for improving the low-temperature performances of rechargeable lithium-ion electrochemical cells. The beneficial effects of these and other additives have been investigated, along with various electrolyte formulations, in continuing research directed toward extending the range of practical operating temperatures from the present lower limit of –20 °C down to –40 °C, and even lower if possible. This research at earlier stages was reported in a number of NASA Tech Briefs articles; namely, “Update on Electrolytes for Low-Temperature Lithium Cells” (NPO-20407), Vol. 24, No. 1, (January 2000), page 56; “Lithium Alkoxide Electrolyte Additives for Lithium-Ion Cells” (NPO-20607), Vol. 25, No. 6 (June 2001), page 52; “Aliphatic Ester Electrolyte Additives for Lithium-Ion Cells” (NPO-20601), Vol. 25, No. 6 (June 2001), page 53; and “Ethyl Methyl Carbonate as a Cosolvent for Lithium-Ion Cells” (NPO-20605), Vol. 25, No. 6 (June 2001), page 53.