Abstract: A separator for a metal ion battery includes a layered polymer composite that itself includes a microporus polymer sheet of a polypropylene, polyethylene, a blend thereof, or 2 or more layers of polypropylene and/or polyethylene, where the microporus polymer sheet having a cathode-facing surface and an anode-facing surface, and where a second polymer layer is in contact with the cathode-facing surface of the microporus polymer sheet, and where the second polymer layer includes a carbazole group-containing polymer.

Abstract: Described herein are borate salts useful as additives, binders, and electrolyte salts for solid state lithium ion batteries. In particular, the borate salts of Formula (I), Formula (II) and Formula (III) as described herein: can be bound to an existing polymer to provide polymeric binders for ceramic solid state electrolytes that are themselves capable of ion transport independent of the ceramic.

Abstract: Described herein are borate salts useful as additives, binders, and electrolyte salts for solid state lithium ion batteries. In particular, the borate salts of Formula (I), Formula (II) and Formula (III) as described herein: can be bound to an existing polymer to provide polymeric binders for ceramic solid state electrolytes that are themselves capable of ion transport independent of the ceramic.

Abstract: Described herein are borate salts useful as additives, binders, and electrolyte salts for solid state lithium ion batteries. In particular, the borate salts of Formula (I), Formula (II) and Formula (III) as described herein: can be bound to an existing polymer to provide polymeric binders for ceramic solid state electrolytes that are themselves capable of ion transport independent of the ceramic.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrolyte composition for a lithium ion battery comprising a lithium salt in a non-aqueous solvent containing an additive comprising a compound of formula R3SiOP(O)nF2; wherein each R independently is a hydrocarbyl group; and n is 0 or 1; and wherein the additive is substantially free from (R3SiO)3P(O)n and (R3SiO)2P(O)nF. Electrochemical cells and batteries also are described.

Abstract: Lithium tetrafluoro(malonato)phosphate compounds are useful as additives in lithium ion battery applications. The compounds are represented by Formula (I): MPF4[—O(C?O)—(CX?X?)—(C?O)O—]; wherein M is Li or Na; each X? and X? independently is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, fluoro-substituted alkyl, and F; or wherein the X? and X? together are —CR2—(CR?2)m—CR?2—; each R, R? and R? independently is selected from the group consisting of H methyl, trifluoromethyl, and F; and in is 0 or 1. These compounds can be prepared in high purity and a high yield by reaction of a metal hexafluorophosphate with a bis-silyl malonate compound. A similar oxalato compound, lithium tetrafluoro(oxalato)phosphate), can be made in the same manner, but using a bis-silyl oxalate in place of the bis-silyl malonate. Advantageously, the compounds can be formed, in situ, in a LiPF6-containing electrolyte solution.

Abstract: Described herein are borate salts useful as additives, binders, and electrolyte salts for solid state lithium ion batteries. In particular, the borate salts of Formula (I), Formula (II) and Formula (III) as described herein: can be polymerized, or can be bound to an existing polymer, to provide polymeric binders for ceramic solid state electrolytes that are themselves capable of ion transport independent of the ceramic.

Abstract: A lithium-ion electrochemical cell comprises a first electrode, a second electrode comprising elemental silicon, a microporous separator membrane between the first and second electrodes, and an electrolyte in contact with the electrodes and the membrane. The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt at a concentration in the range of about 0.1 M to about 5 M, and an additional metal salt at a concentration in the range of about 0.001 to about 5 M dissolved in an organic solvent. The additional metal salt comprises a metal cation that can form a lithium-silicon-metal Zintl phase; and the first electrode comprises metallic lithium or a cathode active material capable of donating and accepting lithium ions to and from the second electrode during electrochemical cycling. Electrolytes for use with silicon-containing electrodes also are described.

Abstract: Described herein are borate salts useful as additives, binders, and electrolyte salts for solid state lithium ion batteries. In particular, the borate salts of Formula (I), Formula (II) and Formula (f11) as described herein: can be polymerized, or can be bound to an existing polymer, to provide polymeric binders for ceramic solid state electrolytes that are themselves capable of ion transport independent of the ceramic.

Abstract: Lithium tetrafluoro(malonato)phosphate compounds are useful as additives in lithium ion battery applications. The compounds are represented by Formula (I): MPF4[—O(C?O)—(CX?X?)—(C?O)O—]; wherein M is Li or Na; each X? and X? independently is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, fluoro-substituted alkyl, and F; or wherein the X? and X? together are —CR2—(CR?2)m—CR?2—; each R, R? and R? independently is selected from the group consisting of H methyl, trifluoromethyl, and F; and in is 0 or 1. These compounds can be prepared in high purity and a high yield by reaction of a metal hexafluorophosphate with a bis-silyl malonate compound. A similar oxalato compound, lithium tetrafluoro(oxalato)phosphate), can be made in the same manner, but using a bis-silyl oxalate in place of the bis-silyl malonate. Advantageously, the compounds can be formed, in situ, in a LiPF6-containing electrolyte solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrolyte composition for a lithium ion battery comprising a lithium salt in a non-aqueous solvent containing an additive comprising a compound of formula R3SiOP(O)nF2; wherein each R independently is a hydrocarbyl group; and n is 0 or 1; and wherein the additive is substantially free from (R3SiO)3P(O)n and (R3SiO)2P(O)nF. Electrochemical cells and batteries also are described.

Abstract: Magnesium salts suitable for use in an electrolyte for a magnesium ion electrochemical cell are described herein. The salts are magnesium tetra(perfluoroalkoxy)metalates, optionally solvated with up to seven ether molecules coordinated to the magnesium ion thereof. In one embodiment, the salt has the empirical formula: Mg(Z)n2+[M(OCR3)4?]2 (Formula (I)) wherein Z is an ether; n is 0 to about 7; M is Al or B; and each R independently is a perfluoroalkyl group (e.g., C1 to C10 perfluoroalkyl). The magnesium salts of Formula (I) are suitable for use as electrolyte salts for magnesium ion batteries (e.g., 5 V class magnesium batteries) and exhibit a wide redox window that is particularly compatible with magnesium anode. The salts are relatively cost effective to prepare by methods described herein, which are conveniently scalable to levels suitable for commercial production.

Abstract: Lithium tetrafluoro(malonato)phosphate compounds are useful as additives in lithium ion battery applications. The compounds are represented by Formula (I): MPF4[—O(C?O)—(CX?X?)—(C?O)O—]; wherein M is Li or Na; each X? and X? independently is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, fluoro-substituted alkyl, and F; or wherein the X? and X? together are —CR2—(CR?2)m—CR?2—; each R, R? and R? independently is selected from the group consisting of H, methyl, trifluoromethyl, and F; and m is 0 or 1. These compounds can be prepared in high purity and a high yield by reaction of a metal hexafluorophosphate with a bis-silyl malonate compound. A similar oxalato compound, lithium tetrafluoro(oxalato)phosphate), can be made in the same manner, but using a bis-silyl oxalate in place of the bis-silyl malonate. Advantageously, the compounds can be formed, in situ, in a LiPF6-containing electrolyte solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing an electrochemical cell comprising the sequential steps of preparing a solution of a lithium salt in an non-aqueous solvent containing an additive compound, and maintaining the solution at a temperature in the range of about 20 to about 30° C. for about 5 to 10 days to form an aged electrolyte; assembling an electrochemical cell from an anode, a cathode, and the aged electrolyte; and electrochemically subjecting the electrochemical cell to formation cycling. The additive compound comprises one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of: (R3SiO)3B, (R3SiO)3XY, (R3SiO)3P, (R?O)3PO, (R3Si)3X?, R3SiOS(O)2R?; (R3Si)OC(?O)R?; wherein each R and R? independently is a hydrocarbyl group; X is P or B; Y is O or S; X is Ti or Al. Electrochemical cells and batteries also are described.

Abstract: A lithium-ion electrochemical cell comprises a first electrode, a second electrode comprising elemental silicon, a microporous separator membrane between the first and second electrodes, and an electrolyte in contact with the electrodes and the membrane. The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt at a concentration in the range of about 0.1 M to about 5 M, and an additional metal salt at a concentration in the range of about 0.001 to about 5 M dissolved in an organic solvent. The additional metal salt comprises a metal cation that can form a lithium-silicon-metal Zintl phase; and the first electrode comprises metallic lithium or a cathode active material capable of donating and accepting lithium ions to and from the second electrode during electrochemical cycling. Electrolytes for use with silicon-containing electrodes also are described.

Abstract: A cathode for a lithium-sulfur (Li—S) battery is described herein, which comprises elemental sulfur (e.g., S8) and an electroactive polyanthraquinone-containing binder. In some embodiments, the cathode also includes a conductive carbon material in addition to the sulfur and binder. Also described herein is a Li—S battery comprising the cathode, in combination with a metallic lithium-containing anode, a lithium conductive separator membrane between the anode and the cathode, and a liquid electrolyte comprising a lithium salt dissolved in a non-aqueous organic solvent.

Abstract: Methods for preparing electrolyte salts for alkaline earth metal-ion batteries (e.g., calcium and magnesium ion batteries) are described. The electrolyte salts comprise alkaline earth metal (e.g., Mg or Ca) salts of 3,4-dicyano-2-trifluoromethylimidazole (TDI). The methods comprise contacting TDI with an alkaline earth metal bis(trifluoroacetate) salt in trifluoroacetic acid.

Abstract: Lithium tetrafluoro(malonato)phosphate compounds are useful as additives in lithium ion battery applications. The compounds are represented by Formula (I): MPF4[—O(C?O)—(CX?X?)—(C?O)O—]; wherein M is Li or Na; each X? and X? independently is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, fluoro-substituted alkyl, and F; or wherein the X? and X? together are —CR2—(CR?2)m—CR?2—; each R, R? and R? independently is selected from the group consisting of H, methyl, trifluoromethyl, and F; and m is 0 or 1. These compounds can be prepared in high purity and a high yield by reaction of a metal hexafluorophosphate with a bis-silyl malonate compound. A similar oxalato compound, lithium tetrafluoro(oxalato)phosphate), can be made in the same manner, but using a bis-silyl oxalate in place of the bis-silyl malonate. Advantageously, the compounds can be formed, in situ, in a LiPF6-containing electrolyte solution.

Abstract: Magnesium salts suitable for use in an electrolyte for a magnesium ion electrochemical cell are described herein. The salts are magnesium tetra(perfluoroalkoxy)metalates, optionally solvated with up to seven ether molecules coordinated to the magnesium ion thereof. In one embodiment, the salt has the empirical formula: Mg(Z)22+[M(OCR3)4?]2 (Formula (I)) wherein Z is an ether; n is 0 to about 7; M is Al or B; and each R independently is a perfluoroalkyl group (e.g., C1 to C10 perfluoroalkyl). The magnesium salts of Formula (I) are suitable for use as electrolyte salts for magnesium ion batteries (e.g., 5 V class magnesium batteries) and exhibit a wide redox window that is particularly compatible with magnesium anode. The salts are relatively cost effective to prepare by methods described herein, which are conveniently scalable to levels suitable for commercial production.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte for a lithium-ion battery comprises a lithium salt and an additive in an organic solvent. The additive comprises a di-substituted malonate silyl ester compound, in which the hydrogens of the malonate methylene group are replaced by substituents R1 (e.g., alkyl) and X (e.g., halogen). Each of the carboxylic acid groups of the malonate are esterified by a monovalent silyl group such as —Si(R4)3; or the two carboxylic acid groups are esterified by a single divalent silylene group such as —Si(R5)2— to form a ring therewith. Each R4 and R5 independently is alkyl, phenyl, or alkoxy; and each substituted-alkyl comprises an alkyl moiety substituted with one or more group selected from alkenyl, alkynyl, hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, carboxylic acid, carboxylic ester, carboxylic amide, phenyl, sulfonic acid, and phosphonic acid.