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Title: A Study of the Physical Properties of Li-Ion Battery Electrolytes Containing Esters

Journal Article · · Journal of the Electrochemical Society
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0271802jes· OSTI ID:1469344
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [1];  [1];  [3];  [1]
  1. Dalhousie Univ., Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada). Dept. of Physics and Atmospheric Science
  2. Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
  3. Memorial Univ., St. John’s, Newfoundland (Canada). Dept. of Physics and Physical Oceanography

Adding esters as co-solvents to Li-ion battery electrolytes can improve low-temperature performance and rate capability of cells. This work uses viscosity and electrolytic conductivity measurements to evaluate electrolytes containing various ester co-solvents, and their suitability for use in high-rate applications is probed. Among the esters studied, methyl acetate (MA) outperforms other esters in its impact on the conductivity and viscosity of the electrolyte. Therefore, viscosity and conductivity were measured as a function of temperature and LiPF6 concentration for electrolytes ethylene carbonate (EC): linear carbonate: MA in the ratio 30:(70-x):x, where linear carbonate = {ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC)}, and x = {0, 10, 20, 30}. Adding MA leads to an increase in conductivity and decrease in viscosity over all conditions. Calculations of electrolyte properties from a model based on a statistical-mechanical framework, the Advanced Electrolyte Model (AEM), are compared to all measurements and excellent agreement is found. All electrolytes studied roughly agree with a Stokes’ Law model of conductivity. In conclusion, a Walden analysis shows that the ionicity of the electrolyte is not significantly impacted by either MA content or LiPF6 concentration. Li[Ni0.5Mn0.3Co0.2]O2/graphite cells containing MA were cycled at charging rates up to 2C and showed improved cycling performance.

Research Organization:
Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC); Tesla Canada
Grant/Contract Number:
AC07-05ID14517
OSTI ID:
1469344
Journal Information:
Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Vol. 165, Issue 2; ISSN 0013-4651
Publisher:
The Electrochemical SocietyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 113 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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