Abstract: A method of making a fluorinated ether includes combining, in a polar aprotic solvent: a fluorinated alcohol represented by the formula X—Rf1CH2OH, and a fluorinated sulfonate ester represented by the formula Rf2CH2OS(?O)2Rf3, and base; and obtaining a fluorinated ether represented by the formula Y—Rf1CH2OCH2Rf2—Y. Rf1 is selected from perfluorinated C1-C10 alkylene groups having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms and partially fluorinated C1-C10 alkylene groups, and derivatives thereof having catenated heteroatom(s). X represents H, F, or an HOCH2— group. Rf2 is selected from perfluorinated C1-C10 alkyl groups and partially fluorinated C1-C10 alkyl groups, and derivatives thereof having catenated heteroatom(s). Rf3 is a C1-C4 alkyl group. Y represents H, F, or an Rf2CH2OCH2— group. A variant method, useful for preparing symmetric fluorinated ethers, is also disclosed. The present disclosure also provides fluorinated ethers preparable according to the methods.

Abstract: Provide are fluorinated cyclic and acyclic carbonate solvent compositions such as various fluorine substituted 1,3-dioxolane-2-one compounds and fluorine substituted 1,3-dioxane-2-one compounds, which are useful as electrolyte solvents for lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: A nonflammable electrolyte composition comprises: a homogenous solvent mixture and a lithium salt dissolved therein. The homogenous solvent mixture comprises a cyclic carbonate and a highly fluorinated compound selected from the group consisting of highly fluorinated acyclic carbonates, CF3CFHCF2OCH3, and combinations thereof. If the electrolyte composition has flammable constituents, they are present in a combined amount of less than 5 percent by weight. Lithium-containing electrochemical cells that include the electrolyte composition, and battery packs and devices including the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of making a fluorinated sulfonate ester include combining a perfluoroalkanesulfonyl halide and a fluorinated alcohol in water in the presence of hydroxide ion, and recovering at least a portion of the resultant fluorinated sulfonate ester.

Abstract: Overcharge protection is provided for rechargeable electrochemical lithium-ion cells. The electrolyte in the provided cells contains a cyclable redox shuttle molecule that can operate in cells with high voltage cathode materials.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for heat transfer that includes a device and a mechanism for transferring heat to or from the device, comprising using a heat transfer fluid, wherein the heat transfer fluid includes a hydrofluorocarbonate. Also provided is a method for transferring heat that includes providing a device and using the heat transfer fluid that includes a hydrofluorocarbonate to transfer heat to or from the device.