Abstract: Disclosed are electrolyte solvents for ambient-temperature lithium-sulfur batteries. The disclosed solvents include at least one ethoxy repeating unit compound of the general formula R.sub.1 (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n R.sub.2, where n ranges between 2 and 10 and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are different or identical alkyl or alkoxy groups (including substituted alkyl or alkoxy groups). Alternatively, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may together with (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n form a closed ring. Examples of linear solvents include the glymes (CH.sub.3 O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n CH.sub.3). Some electrolyte solvents include a donor or acceptor solvent in addition to an ethoxy compound as described.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 10, 1997
Date of Patent:
February 29, 2000
Assignee:
PolyPlus Battery Co., Inc.
Inventors:
May-Ying Chu, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Steven J. Visco, Bruce D. Katz