U.S. patent application number 15/676532 was filed with the patent office on 2018-02-15 for additive containing electrolytes for high energy rechargeable metal anode batteries.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pellion Technologies, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Pellion Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert Ellis Doe, David Eaglesham, Andrew J. Gmitter, Robert Jilek, Jocelyn M. Newhouse, Matthew Trahan.
Application Number | 20180048025 15/676532 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61159384 |
Filed Date | 2018-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180048025 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jilek; Robert ; et
al. |
February 15, 2018 |
ADDITIVE CONTAINING ELECTROLYTES FOR HIGH ENERGY RECHARGEABLE METAL
ANODE BATTERIES
Abstract
Electrolytes for use in commercially viable, rechargeable
lithium metal batteries are described. The electrolytes contain one
or more lithium salts, one or more organic solvents, and one or
more additives. The electrolytes allow for reversible deposition
and dissolution of lithium metal. Specific additives or additive
combinations dramatically improved cycle life, decrease cell
swelling, and/or lower cell impedance.
Inventors: |
Jilek; Robert; (Belmont,
MA) ; Doe; Robert Ellis; (Medfield, MA) ;
Eaglesham; David; (Lexington, MA) ; Gmitter; Andrew
J.; (Lansdale, PA) ; Newhouse; Jocelyn M.;
(Somerville, MA) ; Trahan; Matthew; (Franklin,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pellion Technologies, Inc. |
Woburn |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Pellion Technologies, Inc.
Woburn
MA
|
Family ID: |
61159384 |
Appl. No.: |
15/676532 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62374241 |
Aug 12, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M 2/14 20130101; H01M
2004/027 20130101; H01M 10/052 20130101; H01M 10/0567 20130101;
Y02E 60/10 20130101; H01M 4/382 20130101; H01M 2010/4292 20130101;
H01M 10/0569 20130101; H01M 10/44 20130101; H01M 10/46 20130101;
H01M 2300/0025 20130101; H01M 10/0568 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01M 10/0567 20060101
H01M010/0567; H01M 10/44 20060101 H01M010/44; H01M 2/14 20060101
H01M002/14; H01M 4/38 20060101 H01M004/38; H01M 10/0568 20060101
H01M010/0568; H01M 10/0569 20060101 H01M010/0569 |
Claims
1. A rechargeable electrochemical cell having a non-aqueous fluid
electrolyte solution, comprising: a negative electrode comprising
lithium metal in part in direct physical contact with said
non-aqueous fluid electrolyte; a positive electrode in direct
physical contact with said non-aqueous fluid electrolyte; an
electronically insulating separator configured to separate said
negative electrode and said positive electrode; said non-aqueous
fluid electrolyte comprising: at least one organic solvent; at
least one electrolytically active, soluble, lithium (Li) salt other
than LiPF.sub.6 or LiAsF.sub.6 or LiClO.sub.4; and at least one
additive from the following: pyrrolidones, sulfonimides,
carbodimides, sulfonylfluorides, nitriles, isocyanates,
fluoroacetates, silanes, triflate, halides, or organo-borates.
2. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein at
least one electrolytically active lithium salt is selected from the
group of salts consisting of lithium
bis(perfluoroalkylsulfonyl)imide, lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide,
lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, lithium
bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide, lithium dicyanamide, lithium
tricyanomethide, lithium tetracyanoborate, lithium
bis(oxalato)borate, lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate, lithium
difluoro(malonato)borate, lithium tetrafluoroborate, lithium
bis(benzenesulfonyl)imide, lithium triflate, lithium
bis(perfluoropinacolato)borate, lithium bis(salicylato)borate,
lithium perfluorobutanesulfonate, lithium thiocyanate, lithium
triflinate, and lithium nitrate.
3. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 2, comprising at
least two electrolytically active lithium salts.
4. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein at
least one additive is selected from the group of chemicals
consisting of 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone, carbon dioxide,
N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide, allyl trifluoroacetate,
vinyltrimethylsilane, tetra(isocyanato)silane, lithium
bis(salicylato)borate, lithium triflate, lithium fluoride,
perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride, lithium
perfluoro-1-butanesulfonate, lithium vinyltrifluoroborate, lithium
halide, benzonitriles, 4-fluorobenzonitrile, 4-trifluoromethyl
benzonitrile, benzonitrile, aryl isocyanates, 4-methoxyphenyl
isocyanate, 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate,
3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl isocyanate, 2-trifluoromethoxyphenyl
isocyanate, alkyl isocyanates, ethyl isocyanate, pentyl isocyanate,
octyl isocyanate, dodecyl isocyanate, 4-fluorobenzyl isocyanate
bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide, 1-phenylpyrrolidine,
N-nitrosopyrrolidine, Disuccinimidyl carbonate, lithium
trifluoroacetate, methyl difluoroacetate, ethyl difluoroacetate,
Ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoro(aceto)acetate, Methyl
2,2-difluoro-2-(fluorosulfonyl)acetate, Lithium
nonafluorobutanesulfonate, Lithium
1,1,2,2,3,3-Hexafluoropropane-1,3-disulfonimide,
N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide, methyl Cyanoacetate, chlorosulfonyl
isocyanate.
5. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 4, comprising at
least two additives selected from the group of chemicals listed in
claim 4.
6. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein each
additive comprises greater than zero and less than ten percent by
mass of the total electrolyte mass.
7. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein an
anode polarization between electrodeposition and electrodissolution
is less than 500 mV at 25 degrees Celsius.
8. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein the
cell Coulombic efficiency is greater than 99.35% at 25 degrees
Celsius.
9. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein the
electrolyte solution comprises one or more liquid-infused polymers
or gels.
10. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein said
negative electrode and said positive electrode are configured such
that a capacity of said negative electrode is strictly less than a
capacity of said positive electrode.
11. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein a
ratio of reversible capacity between said negative electrode and
said positive electrode is such that Q (negative electrode)/Q
(positive electrode)<0.9.
12. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, configured to
charge to greater than or equal to 4.3 V.
13. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, configured to
discharge to -2.5 V.
14. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, configured to
charge and discharge at .ltoreq.10 C-rate of rated capacity.
15. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, configured to
discharge and charge at temperatures in the range of -20.degree. C.
and 200.degree. C.
16. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, configured to
provide at least 80% of initial capacity for greater than 30
charging and discharging cycles.
17. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein said
negative electrode is configured to provide >1000 mAh/cc.
18. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein the
active cation is lithium.
19. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 15, wherein an
anode Coulombic efficiency is greater than 99.35% at 25 degrees
Celsius.
20. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein said
non-aqueous electrolyte comprises a salt, or combination of salts
in a concentration in the range of 0.5 M to saturated.
21. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein at
least one of said negative electrode or positive electrode
comprises one of a metal, an alloy, and an intermetallic
compound.
22. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein at
least one of said negative electrode or positive electrode
comprises a material configured to undergo a reaction selected from
the group of reactions consisting of an insertion reaction, an
alloying, an intercalation, a disproportionation, a conversion
reaction, or a combination thereof.
23. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, wherein a
pressure perpendicular to the interface of the positive and
negative electrodes is greater than 0.06 MPa.
24. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, further
comprising at least one gate electrode having a gate electrode
electrical terminal, said gate electrode in communication with said
non-aqueous fluid electrolyte and permeable to at least one mobile
species which is redox-active at at least one of said positive
electrode or said negative electrode, said gate electrode situated
between said positive electrode and said negative electrode.
25. The rechargeable electrochemical cell of claim 1, comprising
lithium metal which is configured to plate onto a negative
electrode current collector during charging.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of
co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/374,241,
filed Aug. 12, 2016, which application is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to electrochemical cells in general
and particularly to secondary electrochemical cells containing
non-aqueous electrolytes and metal anodes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Rechargeable or secondary electrochemical storage devices or
batteries have wide-ranging applications and improvement of battery
performance is a long-standing goal.
[0004] Commercial Li-ion batteries contain a graphitic carbon, or
alloy, anode capable of "insertion" (or intercalation) of Lithium
ions. Therefore in Li-ion batteries the host material affords a
protective barrier against reactions with a liquid electrolyte. The
electrolyte of Li-ion batteries generally contains a non-aqueous
electrolyte comprising lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF.sub.6)
dissolved in a mixture of carbonate solvents, examples of which
include ethylene carbonate (EC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl
carbonate (DEC), and propylene carbonate (PC). In Li-ion batteries
both cathode and anode operate by intercalation of Li ions. This
creates an opportunity to improve the kinetics of intercalation by
use of an electrolyte additive to modify the interface between the
electrolyte and the intercalating compound. The additive acts to
modify the chemistry and conductivity of a stable Solid Electrolyte
Interphase (SEI) that forms between the active electrode and the
electrolyte. Thus in Li-ion batteries the use of additives is
well-known as a technique to improve the kinetics and stability of
the operation of the cell.
[0005] Secondary batteries containing Li metal anodes have been a
long-standing goal of battery research for decades, but have failed
to gain commercial traction. In secondary Li metal cells the anode
operation comprises at least in part plating deposition of metallic
lithium or lithium alloy at the anode. Most batteries of this type
involve a conversion cathode such as sulfur (S). Additives are
known in the Li--S cell, which act to prevent parasitic reactions
(primarily the poly-sulphide shuttle reactions).
[0006] Yet another class of batteries involves a conventional
("intercalation" or "insertion") material as a cathode and plating
lithium metal at the anode. We will refer to this as an
intercalation/plating cell. In this case it is generally
acknowledged that it is not possible to form a stable SEI between
Li metal and a liquid electrolyte. Consequently the vast majority
of this literature is focused on identifying a coating that
separates the Li from the electrolyte. Coatings may be polymeric,
solid-electrolyte, graphene, core-shell, "yolk-shell" or
"pomegranate", depending on the choice of materials. Such barrier
layers to prevent reaction of Li with the electrolyte are also
being explored in Li--S batteries. In general for
intercalation/plating cells the search for additives to improve
cell efficiency has been abandoned. CsPF.sub.6 has been proposed as
a means to modify the kinetics of the reaction.
[0007] LiPF.sub.6 has been the primary salt of Li-ion batteries for
decades; however its propensity to form HF, PF.sub.5, and POF.sub.3
in the presence of trace water impurities is expected to be a major
problem for Li-metal batteries (Xu, Kang Nonaqueous Liquid
Electrolytes for Lithium-Based Rechargeable Batteries Chem. Rev.
2004, 104, 4303-4417). Fortunately, a variety of other salts are
known to reversibly plate and strip lithium metal with less
reactivity towards water. Some non-limiting examples include
lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), lithium tetrafluoroborate
(LiBF.sub.4), and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide
(LiTFSI). When dissolved in carbonate solvents these salts yield
coulombic efficiencies as high as 90+% against Li metal, which is
far below the 99+% of LiPF.sub.6 in traditional Li-ion (Winter, M.
Blends of lithium bis(oxalate)borate and lithium tetrafluoroborate:
useful substitutes for lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate in
electrolytes for lithium metal based secondary batteries?
Electrochimica Acta, 2013, 107, 26-32).
[0008] One way to change cell Coulombic efficiency is via
electrolyte modification through the use of chemical additives. It
is reportedly best to choose additives that are either more readily
oxidized at the cathode or reduced at the anode than electrolyte
salts and solvents. To this end, additive mixtures are typically
selected so that at least one component is reduced at, and
therefore passivates, the anode and another is oxidized at the
cathode. This is common practice in the Li-ion industry with
commercial cells containing up to 3 or 4 individual low percentage
(<2% by mass) additives. Non-limiting examples of additives
known to improve stability at either the cathode or the anode
include carbonate esters such as vinylene carbonate (VC), vinyl
ethylene carbonate (VEC), or fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC),
sultones (e.g., 1, 3-propene sultone--PS), sulfonates (methylene
methane disulfonate--MMDS), or phosphates such as
(tris(-trimethyl-silyl)-phosphate (TTSP) (Dahn, J. R. et. al.
Ternary and Quaternary Electrolyte Additive Mixtures for Li-ion
Cells that Promote Long Lifetime, High Discharge Rate, and Better
Safety, JES, 2014, 161, A1261-A1265). There have also been several
reports utilizing lithium salts as electrolyte additives.
Non-limiting examples include lithium bis(oxalato)borate or lithium
difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB) (EP 2,660,906 A1, U.S. Pat. No.
7,524,579 B1), and lithium methoxide (LiOMe) (US 2011/0006738
A1).
[0009] Li-ion (carbonaceous-anode) cells generally utilize
additives in fashions that avoid Li metal deposition. For example,
one can generate an SEI that alters the rate of electrochemical
intercalation and deintercalation of lithium ions to the solid
phase of the electrodes (US20110104574 A1, US20150030937 A1), so
that the cells can operate at higher C-rates without plating Li
metal on the carbon, which is a well-known pitfall of Li-ion
batteries. Lithium-Sulfur batteries employing Li metal anodes
mainly utilize additives as a means of mitigating the redox-shuttle
related to the cathode dissolution and subsequent reduction at the
surface of the anode (U.S. Pat. No. 9,160,036 B2) as opposed to
improving the reversibility of Li metal in the cell. Alternatively
rechargeable Li metal batteries generally coat the anode with a
thin layer of polymer, ceramic, or both (e.g., lithium phosphorus
oxynitride (LiPON)), which serves as a protective barrier for the
Li metal surface. In fact, those practiced in the art have said
"because of the enormous challenge involved in stabilizing the Li
surface chemically and mechanically through the use of electrolyte
additives, the preferred treatment for rechargeable Li-based cells
is the use of a solid-electrolyte membrane (US20150050543 A1)."
[0010] There is a need for improved rechargeable Li-metal
batteries.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In order to make a commercially viable rechargeable Li-metal
battery, novel electrolyte mixtures are required. Replacement of
LiPF.sub.6 as the primary lithium salt and development of
innovative additive combinations are steps that can dramatically
improve electrolyte performance in the presence of a lithium metal
anode. Significant improvements in Coulombic efficiency preferably
should be made to achieve the cycle life requirement of a
commercially viable secondary Li metal battery.
[0012] The present invention comprises an electrochemical device
containing a metal negative electrode; a positive electrode
comprising an electrode active material that reversibly
intercalates and de-intercalates lithium cations; a barrier
comprising any one of a number of porous polyolefin separators
preventing the negative electrode from contacting the positive
electrode; and a non-aqueous electrolyte contacting the negative
and positive electrodes, comprising at least one lithium salt, one
or more organic solvents, and one or more chemical additives. In
some embodiments the fluid electrolytes comprising at least one
lithium salt, one or more organic solvents, and one or more
chemical additives are expected to be suitable for secondary
lithium battery systems containing N/P ratio <0.9 wherein N/P is
defined as the capacity ratio of the negative electrode to positive
electrode. In other embodiments the fluid electrolytes comprising
at least one lithium salt, one or more organic solvents, and one or
more chemical additives are expected to be suitable for secondary
lithium battery systems comprising one or more lithium salts
comprising at least two of the following elements boron, fluorine,
carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen.
[0013] Preferred embodiments comprise the following lithium salts:
lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF.sub.4), lithium
bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium
bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium bis(oxalate)borate
(LiBOB), lithium bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide (LiBETI), lithium
dicyanamide (LiDCA), lithium tricyanomethanide (LiTCM), lithium
tetracyanoborate (LiTCB), lithium triflate (LiOTf), lithium
difluoro(oxalate)borate (LiDFOB), lithium perfluorobutanesulfonate
(LiPFBS), lithium thiocyanate (LiSCN), lithium triflinate
(LiCF.sub.3SO.sub.2), lithium nitrate (LiNO.sub.3), lithium
bis(benzenesulfonyl)imide (LiBBI), lithium difluoro(malonato)borate
(LiDFMB), lithium bis(perfluoropinacolato)borate, or lithium
bis(salicylato)borate (LiBSB). The electrolyte may contain any one
or a combination of these salts.
[0014] It is noteworthy that hexafluorophosphate (PF.sub.6.sup.1-),
hexafluoroarsenate (AsF.sub.6.sup.1-), and perchlorate
(ClO.sub.4.sup.1-) are excluded due to lithium salts high
propensity to hydrolyze releasing HF, form reactive or explosive
adducts, the toxic nature of constituents, poor Coulombic
efficiency only enabling many cycles when massive excess of Li
metal is present. Their corresponding lithium salts are simply not
viable options in commercial rechargeable Li-metal batteries due to
both performance and regulatory factors.
[0015] In some preferred embodiments, the Li.sup.+ molarity is in
the range from 0.5 M to 2.5 M.
[0016] In still another embodiment, the Li molarity is in the range
of 0.1 M to 1 M.
[0017] In a further embodiment, the Li molarity is in the range of
1 M to 3 M.
[0018] In yet another embodiment, the Li molarity is in the range
of 3 M to 8 M.
[0019] In still another embodiment, the solution conductivity is
greater than 1 mS/cm at 25 degrees Celsius.
[0020] In yet a further embodiment, a solution Coulombic efficiency
is greater than 98% at 25 degrees Celsius.
[0021] A variety of organic solvents are suitable for use in the
electrolyte of the present invention. The organic solvents can be
used alone or in combination. Whether a solvent comprises a single
organic composition or a plurality of organic compositions, for the
purposes of further exposition, the organic solvent will be
referred to as "the solvent" in the singular. In order to provide
for the reversible dissolution and plating of an electroactive
metal, the solvent advantageously should provide appreciable
solubility by coordination of the constituent inorganic salts of
the electroactive metal. In various embodiments, suitable solvents
include ethers, organic carbonates, carbonate esters, and tertiary
amines, and may also include lactones, ketones, glymes, nitriles,
ionic liquids, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents and
organic nitro solvents. Non-limiting examples of suitable solvents
include 1-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one (MTMP),
Bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) ether (BTFE), Tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)
phosphite (TTFP), Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), THF, 2-methyl
THF, dimethoxyethane, diglyme, triglyme, tetraglyme,
1,2-diethoxyethane, diethylether,
3-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoropropane, proglyme,
ethyl diglyme, butyl diglyme, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl
carbonate, diethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, propylene
carbonate, 1,2-Butylene carbonate,
bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)carbonate, methyl
2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl carbonate, dimethylsulfoxide,
dimethylsulfite, sulfolane, ethyl methyl sulfone, acetonitrile,
hexane, toluene, nitromethane, 1,3-dioxalane, 1,3-dioxane,
1,4-dioxane, trimethyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate,
hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA), 1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium
bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (P13-TFSI),
1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium diacetamide (P13-DCA),
1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (P13-FSI),
1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(oxalate)borate (P14-BOB),
1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium difluoro(oxalato)borate (P14-DFOB),
ethyldimethylpropylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide
(N.sub.1123-TFSI), and 1-(methoxyethyl)-1-methylpiperidinium
bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (MOEMPP-TFSI).
[0022] A number of additives are appropriate for use in the
electrolyte of the present invention. These additives may be used
alone or in combination to generate the most beneficial electrolyte
solutions. In various embodiments, the additives include
pyrrolidones, sulfonimides, carbodimides, sulfonylfluorides,
fluoroacetates, silanes, cyano-silanes, triflate, organo-borates,
nitriles, or isocyanates. In preferred embodiments, suitable
additives include 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone (NEP),
N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (FBSI), bis(alkyl)- or
bis(aryl)carbodiimides, allyl trifluoroacetate,
vinyltrimethylsilane, tetra(isocyanato)silane, carbon dioxide,
LiBSB, LiOTf, perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride (PFBS-F), LiPFBS,
lithium vinyltrifluoroborate, aryl nitriles (particularly any of a
number of substituted benzonitriles), alkyl- or aryl-isocyanates,
examples of which include ethyl-, pentyl-, dodecyl-, and
4-fluorophenyl-isocyanate.
[0023] According to one aspect, the invention features a
rechargeable electrochemical cell having a non-aqueous fluid
electrolyte solution, comprising: a negative electrode comprising
lithium metal in part in direct physical contact with the
non-aqueous fluid electrolyte; a positive electrode in direct
physical contact with the non-aqueous fluid electrolyte; an
electronically insulating separator configured to separate the
negative electrode and the positive electrode; the non-aqueous
fluid electrolyte comprising: at least one organic solvent; at
least one electrolytically active, soluble, lithium (Li) salt other
than LiPF.sub.6 or LiAsF.sub.6 or LiClO.sub.4; and at least one
additive from the following: pyrrolidones, sulfonimides,
carbodimides, sulfonylfluorides, nitriles, isocyanates,
fluoroacetates, silanes, triflate, halides, or organo-borates.
[0024] In one embodiment, at least one electrolytically active
lithium salt is selected from the group of salts consisting of
lithium bis(perfluoroalkylsulfonyl)imide, lithium
bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, lithium
bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, lithium
bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide, lithium dicyanamide, lithium
tricyanomethide, lithium tetracyanoborate, lithium
bis(oxalato)borate, lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate, lithium
difluoro(malonato)borate, lithium tetrafluoroborate, lithium
bis(benzenesulfonyl)imide, lithium triflate, lithium
bis(perfluoropinacolato)borate, lithium bis(salicylato)borate,
lithium perfluorobutanesulfonate, lithium thiocyanate, lithium
triflinate, lithium nitrate.
[0025] In another preferred embodiment, at least one additive is
selected from the group of chemicals consisting of
bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide, 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone,
1-phenylpyrrolidine, N-nitrosopyrrolidine, carbon dioxide,
Disuccinimidyl carbonate, N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide, allyl
trifluoroacetate, lithium trifluoroacetate, methyl difluoroacetate,
ethyl difluoroacetate, Ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoro(aceto)acetate, Methyl
2,2-difluoro-2-(fluorosulfonyl)acetate, vinyltrimethylsilane,
tetra(isocyanato)silane, lithium bis(salicylato)borate, lithium
triflate, lithium fluoride, Lithium nonafluorobutanesulfonate
"nonaflate", perfluoro-1-butanesulfonyl fluoride, lithium
perfluorobutanesulfonate, lithium vinyltrifluoroborate, Lithium
1,1,2,2,3,3-Hexafluoropropane-1,3-disulfonimide, lithium halide,
benzonitriles, N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide, 4-fluorobenzonitrile,
4-trifluoromethyl benzonitrile, benzonitrile, methyl Cyanoacetate,
chlorosulfonyl isocyanate, aryl isocyanates, 4-methoxyphenyl
isocyanate, 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate,
3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl isocyanate, 2-trifluoromethoxyphenyl
isocyanate, alkyl isocyanates, ethyl isocyanate, pentyl isocyanate,
octyl isocyanate, dodecyl isocyanate, 4-fluorobenzyl
isocyanate.
[0026] In yet another embodiment, an anode polarization between
electrodeposition and electrodissolution is less than 500 mV at 25
degrees Celsius.
[0027] In still another embodiment, the cell Coulombic efficiency
is greater than 99.35% at 25 degrees Celsius.
[0028] In a further embodiment, the electrolyte solution comprises
one or more liquid-infused polymers or gels.
[0029] In yet a further embodiment, the negative electrode and the
positive electrode are configured such that a capacity of the
negative electrode is strictly less than a capacity of the positive
electrode.
[0030] In an additional embodiment, a ratio of reversible capacity
between the negative electrode and the positive electrode is such
that Q (negative electrode)/Q (positive electrode)<0.9.
[0031] In one more embodiment, the rechargeable electrochemical
cell is configured to charge to greater than or equal to 4.0 V.
[0032] In one more embodiment, the rechargeable electrochemical
cell is configured to charge to greater than or equal to 4.3 V.
[0033] In still a further embodiment, the rechargeable
electrochemical cell is configured to discharge to -2.5 V.
[0034] In one embodiment, the rechargeable electrochemical cell is
configured to charge and discharge at .ltoreq.10 C-rate of rated
capacity.
[0035] In another embodiment, the rechargeable electrochemical cell
is configured to discharge and charge at temperatures in the range
of -20.degree. C. and 200.degree. C.
[0036] In yet another embodiment, the rechargeable electrochemical
cell is configured to provide at least 80% of initial capacity for
greater than 30 charging and discharging cycles.
[0037] In still another embodiment, the rechargeable
electrochemical cell is wherein the negative electrode is
configured to provide >1000 mAh/cc.
[0038] In a further embodiment, the active cation is lithium.
[0039] In yet a further embodiment, an anode Coulombic efficiency
is greater than 99.35% at 25 degrees Celsius.
[0040] In an additional embodiment, the non-aqueous electrolyte
comprises a salt, or combination of salts in a concentration in the
range of 0.5 M to saturated.
[0041] In one more embodiment, at least one of the negative
electrode or positive electrode comprises one of a metal, an alloy,
and an intermetallic compound.
[0042] In still a further embodiment, at least one of the negative
electrode or positive electrode comprises a material configured to
undergo a reaction selected from the group of reactions consisting
of an insertion reaction, an alloying, an intercalation, a
disproportionation, a conversion reaction, or a combination
thereof.
[0043] In an additional preferred embodiment, the positive
electrode comprises an electroactive material in a solid state, or
a liquid state, but not in a gaseous state. In particular, the
present invention is not directed to lithium-oxygen batteries.
[0044] In an additional embodiment, a pressure perpendicular to the
interface of the positive and negative electrodes is greater than
0.06 MPa.
[0045] In one more embodiment, the rechargeable electrochemical
cell further comprises at least one gate electrode having a gate
electrode electrical terminal, the gate electrode in communication
with the non-aqueous fluid electrolyte and permeable to at least
one mobile species which is redox-active at at least one of the
positive electrode or the negative electrode, the gate electrode
situated between the positive electrode and the negative
electrode.
[0046] In still a further embodiment, the rechargeable
electrochemical cell comprises lithium metal which is configured to
plate onto a negative electrode current collector during
charging.
[0047] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a
rechargeable electrochemical cell comprising: a negative electrode
comprising in direct physical contact with the non-aqueous fluid
electrolyte; a positive electrode in direct physical contact with
the non-aqueous fluid electrolyte; an electronically insulating
separator configured to separate the negative electrode and the
positive electrode; and a non-aqueous electrolyte wherein lithium
ions are the primary charge carrier comprising: at least one
organic solvent; at least one salt comprising at least two of the
following elements: boron, fluorine, carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen;
and at least one additive from the following: pyrrolidones,
sulfonimides, carbodimides, sulfonylfluorides, nitriles,
isocyanates, fluoroacetates, silanes, triflate, halides, or
organo-borates.
[0048] In one embodiment, at least one electrolytically active
lithium salt is selected from the group of salts consisting of
lithium bis(perfluoroalkylsulfonyl)imide, lithium
bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, lithium
bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, lithium
bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide, lithium dicyanamide, lithium
tricyanomethide, lithium tetracyanoborate, lithium
bis(oxalato)borate, lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate, lithium
difluoro(malonato)borate, lithium tetrafluoroborate, lithium
bis(benzenesulfonyl)imide, lithium triflate, lithium
bis(perfluoropinacolato)borate, lithium bis(salicylato)borate,
lithium perfluorobutanesulfonate, lithium thiocyanate, lithium
triflinate, and lithium nitrate.
[0049] In another preferred embodiment, at least one additive is
selected from the group of chemicals consisting of
Bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide, 1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone,
1-phenylpyrrolidine, N-nitrosopyrrolidine, carbon dioxide,
Disuccinimidyl carbonate, N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide, allyl
trifluoroacetate, lithium trifluoroacetate, methyl difluoroacetate,
ethyl difluoroacetate, Ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoro(aceto)acetate, Methyl
2,2-difluoro-2-(fluorosulfonyl)acetate, vinyltrimethylsilane,
tetra(isocyanato)silane, lithium bis(salicylato)borate, lithium
triflate, lithium fluoride, Lithium nonafluorobutanesulfonate
"nonaflate", perfluoro-1-butanesulfonyl fluoride, lithium
perfluorobutanesulfonate, lithium vinyltrifluoroborate, Lithium
1,1,2,2,3,3-Hexafluoropropane-1,3-disulfonimide, lithium halide,
benzonitriles, N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide, 4-fluorobenzonitrile,
4-trifluoromethyl benzonitrile, benzonitrile, methyl Cyanoacetate,
chlorosulfonyl isocyanate, aryl isocyanates, 4-methoxyphenyl
isocyanate, 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, 1,4-phenylene diisocyanate,
3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl isocyanate, 2-trifluoromethoxyphenyl
isocyanate, alkyl isocyanates, ethyl isocyanate, pentyl isocyanate,
octyl isocyanate, dodecyl isocyanate, 4-fluorobenzyl
isocyanate.
[0050] In yet another embodiment, an anode polarization between
electrodeposition and electrodissolution is less than 500 mV at 25
degrees Celsius.
[0051] In still another embodiment, the cell Coulombic efficiency
is greater than 99.35% at 25 degrees Celsius.
[0052] In a further embodiment, the electrolyte solution comprises
one or more liquid-infused polymers or gels.
[0053] In yet a further embodiment, the negative electrode and the
positive electrode are configured such that a capacity of the
negative electrode is strictly less than a capacity of the positive
electrode.
[0054] In an additional embodiment, a ratio of reversible capacity
between the negative electrode and the positive electrode is such
that Q (negative electrode)/Q (positive electrode)<0.9.
Applicant hereby incorporates by reference the disclosures of
co-pending US Patent Application Publication Number 2016-0172660 A1
published Jun. 16, 2016, and US Patent Application Publication
Number 2016-0172661 A1 published Jun. 16, 2016, corresponding to
U.S. Ser. No. 14/966,100 and U.S. Ser. No. 14/966,392,
respectively.
[0055] In one more embodiment, the rechargeable electrochemical
cell is configured to charge to greater than or equal to 4.0 V.
[0056] In one more embodiment, the rechargeable electrochemical
cell is configured to charge to greater than or equal to 4.3 V.
[0057] In still a further embodiment, the rechargeable
electrochemical cell is configured to discharge to -2.5 V.
[0058] In one embodiment, the rechargeable electrochemical cell is
configured to charge and discharge at .ltoreq.10 C-rate of rated
capacity.
[0059] In another embodiment, the rechargeable electrochemical cell
is configured to discharge and charge at temperatures in the range
of -20.degree. C. and 200.degree. C.
[0060] In yet another embodiment, the rechargeable electrochemical
cell is configured to provide at least 80% of initial capacity for
greater than 30 charging and discharging cycles.
[0061] In still another embodiment, the negative electrode is
configured to provide >1000 mAh/cc.
[0062] In a further embodiment, the active cation is lithium.
[0063] In yet a further embodiment, an anode Coulombic efficiency
is greater than 99.35% at 25 degrees Celsius.
[0064] In an additional embodiment, the non-aqueous electrolyte
comprises a salt, or combination of salts in a concentration in the
range of 0.5 M to saturated.
[0065] In one more embodiment, at least one of the negative
electrode or positive electrode comprises one of a metal, an alloy,
and an intermetallic compound.
[0066] In still a further embodiment, at least one of the negative
electrode or positive electrode comprises a material configured to
undergo a reaction selected from the group of reactions consisting
of an insertion reaction, an alloying, an intercalation, a
disproportionation, a conversion reaction, or a combination
thereof.
[0067] In an additional embodiment, a pressure perpendicular to the
interface of the positive and negative electrodes is greater than
0.06 MPa.
[0068] In one more embodiment, the rechargeable electrochemical
cell further comprises at least one gate electrode having a gate
electrode electrical terminal, the gate electrode in communication
with the non-aqueous fluid electrolyte and permeable to at least
one mobile species which is redox-active at at least one of the
positive electrode or the negative electrode, the gate electrode
situated between the positive electrode and the negative
electrode.
[0069] In still a further embodiment, the rechargeable
electrochemical cell comprises lithium metal which is configured to
plate onto a negative electrode current collector during
charging.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0070] The objects and features of the invention can be better
understood with reference to the drawings described below, and the
claims. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead
generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the
invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like
parts throughout the various views.
[0071] FIG. 1 depicts charge (curve 104) and discharge (curve 102)
voltage vs. percent of rated capacity for cycle 1 (black) and
charge (curve 106) and discharge (curve 108) voltage vs. percent of
rated capacity for cycle 60 (grey) of cells containing lithium
transition metal oxide cathode, a lithium metal anode, and an 0.85
M lithium bis(oxalato)borate in EC:DMC 1:2 (v/v) electrolyte.
[0072] FIG. 2 depicts charge (curve 204) and discharge (curve 202)
voltage vs. percent of rated capacity for cycle 1 (black) and
charge (curve 206) and discharge (curve 208) voltage vs. percent of
rated capacity for cycle 60 (grey) of cells containing lithium
transition metal oxide cathode, a lithium metal anode, and an 0.85
M lithium bis(oxalato)borate+with 1 wt % dodecyl isocyanate
additive in EC:DMC 1:2 (v/v) electrolyte.
[0073] FIG. 3 shows the number of charge-discharge cycles to 50%
rated capacity for 1 M LiPF.sub.6 in EC:DMC 1:2 (v/v) (bar 302) as
compared to 0.85 M LiBOB in EC:DMC 1:2 (v/v) (bar 304), and 0.85 M
LiBOB+1 wt % dodecyl isocyanate in EC:DMC 1:2 (v/v) (bar 306) under
the same cycling conditions in cells containing a lithium
transition metal oxide cathode and a lithium metal anode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0074] The embodiments herein provide new electrolyte solvents or
additives that enable reversible deposition and dissolution of
lithium metal for many charge-discharge cycles. In some of the
embodiments presented herein, the additive containing non-aqueous
electrolytes also provide benefit in terms of ability to maintain
cycle life higher rates of charge and discharge, or in terms of
reduced impedance, or reduced volume of gas evolved due to
parasitic reactions. More specifically, the embodiments herein
describe chemical compounds, which, when used either as bulk
electrolyte solvents or co-solvents, or as additives in low
concentrations, can form passivation layers on either the anode or
cathode surface or both. These passivation layers offer protection
over a wide range of voltages and temperatures while remaining
sufficiently conductive to promote fast kinetics of the cell
chemistry. Electrolyte solutions are formulated from the salts,
solvents, and additives mentioned herein. The lithium metal
batteries that can be fabricated using the aforementioned
electrolytes are commercially viable.
[0075] We now describe example solvent systems that are expected to
be suitable for secondary lithium metal battery electrolytes. These
solvent systems contain one or more chemicals from the following
classes: ethers, fluoro-ethers, organic carbonates, carbonate
esters, sulfoxides, sulfites, sulfones, nitriles, alkanes,
dioxanes, phosphates, aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon solvents
or ionic liquids.
[0076] Non-limiting examples of the electrolyte solvent or solvents
include the following: THF, 2-methyl THF, dimethoxyethane, diglyme,
triglyme, tetraglyme, 1,2-diethoxyethane, diethylether,
3-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoropropane, proglyme,
ethyl diglyme, butyl diglyme, ethyl acetate (EA), ethylene
carbonate (EC), 1,2-Butylene carbonate (BC), dimethyl carbonate
(DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC),
propylene carbonate (PC), fluoro-ethylene carbonate (FEC),
bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)carbonate, methyl
2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl carbonate, dimethylsulfoxide,
dimethylsulfite, sulfolane, ethyl methyl sulfone, acetonitrile,
hexane, toluene, nitromethane, 1,3-dioxalane, 1,3-dioxane,
1,4-dioxane, trimethyl phosphate, triethyl phosphate,
hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA), 1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium
bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (P13-TFSI),
1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium diacetamide (P13-DCA),
1-propyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (P13-FSI),
1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(oxalate)borate (P14-BOB),
1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium difluoro(oxalato)borate (P14-DFOB),
ethyldimethylpropylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide
(N.sub.1123-TFSI), and 1-(methoxyethyl)-1-methylpiperidinium
bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (MOEMPP-TFSI).
[0077] In a more preferred embodiment, at least one component of
the electrolyte solvent is a cyclic carbonate.
[0078] In another preferred embodiment, at least one component of
the electrolyte solvent is ethylene carbonate.
[0079] In yet another preferred embodiment, ethylene carbonate
comprises greater than or equal to 33% by volume of the electrolyte
solvent mixture.
[0080] At least one other component of the electrolyte solvent
mixture is chosen from the remaining solvents listed herein.
[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the second component is either an
acyclic carbonate or ether molecule.
[0082] In yet another preferred embodiment, the second component is
DMC, EMC, DEC, PC, bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)carbonate, methyl
2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl carbonate, ethyl diglyme or
3-(1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethoxy)-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoropropane,
comprising less than or equal to 67% by volume of the electrolyte
solvent mixture.
[0083] We now provide example salts that are expected to be
suitable for secondary lithium metal battery electrolytes.
[0084] In other preferred embodiments the example fluid
electrolytes that are expected to be suitable for secondary lithium
battery systems contain one or more lithium salts comprising at
least two of the following elements boron, fluorine, carbon,
nitrogen, or oxygen. In particular, materials contemplated for use
in the electrolytes of the invention can be described by the
general formula LiA, where A is a polyatomic monovalent negative
ion. Non-limiting examples of polyatomic monovalent anions, A, that
are believed to be useful in practicing the invention include, but
are not limited to, those described in Table I, and mixtures
thereof
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I Chemical name Acronym Formula
bis(perfluoroalkylsulfonyl)imides
N((C.sub.xF.sub.2x+1).sub.xSO.sub.2).sub.2.sup.-1
bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide FSI (x = 0) N(SO.sub.2F).sub.2.sup.-1
bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide TFSI (x = 1)
N(CF.sub.3SO.sub.2).sub.2.sup.-1 bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide
BETI (x = 2) N(C.sub.2F.sub.5SO.sub.2).sub.2.sup.-1 Dicyanamide DCA
N(CN).sub.2.sup.-1 Tricyanomethide TCM C(CN).sub.3.sup.-1
tetracyanoborate TCB B(CN).sub.4.sup.-1 difluoro(malonato)borate
DFMB BF.sub.2(C.sub.3H.sub.2O.sub.4).sup.-1 tetrafluoroborate
BF.sub.4.sup.-1 bis(benzenesulfonyl)imide BBI
N(C.sub.6H.sub.5SO.sub.2).sub.2.sup.-1 triflate OTf
CF.sub.3SO.sub.3.sup.-1 bis(oxalato)borate BOB
B(C.sub.2O.sub.4).sub.2.sup.-1 difluoro(oxalato)borate DFOB
BF.sub.2(C.sub.2O.sub.4).sup.-1 bis(perfluoropinacolato)borate
B(C.sub.6F.sub.12O.sub.2).sub.2.sup.-1 bis(salicylato)borate BSB
B(C.sub.7H.sub.4O.sub.3).sub.2.sup.-1 perfluorobutanesulfonate PFBS
(C.sub.4F.sub.9SO.sub.3).sup.-1 thiocyanate SCN.sup.-1 triflinate
CF.sub.3SO.sub.2.sup.-1 nitrate NO.sub.3.sup.-1
[0085] In some preferred embodiments the example fluid electrolytes
that are expected to be suitable for secondary lithium battery
systems contain N/P ratio <0.9.
[0086] Additives are included in the electrolyte either
unaccompanied or in combination and are selected from the following
groups: pyrrolidones, sulfonimides, carbodiimides, acetates,
vinyl-substituted compounds, sulfonyl fluorides, aryl nitriles,
aryl- or alkyl-isocyanates, carbon dioxide, or lithium salts.
[0087] It is expected that these additives will be beneficial to
Li-ion cells in which a significant amount of Li metal is
plated.
[0088] In a preferred embodiment, individual additives or
combinations thereof are chosen from those listed in Table II and
comprise between 0 and 10 wt % of the total electrolyte mass.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Additive Name Acronym Formula
1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone NEP C.sub.6H.sub.11NO Carbon Dioxide CO.sub.2
N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide FBSI (C.sub.6H.sub.5SO.sub.2).sub.2NF
Allyl trifluoroacetate CF.sub.3CO.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CH.sub.2
Vinyltrimethylsilane (CH.sub.3).sub.3SiCH.dbd.CH.sub.2
Tetra(isocyanato)silane Si(NCO).sub.4 Lithium bis(salicylato)borate
LiBSB Li[B(C.sub.7H.sub.4O.sub.3).sub.2] Lithium triflate LiOTf
Li[CF.sub.3SO.sub.3] Perfluorobutanesulfonyl Floride PFBS--F
C.sub.4F.sub.9SO.sub.3F Lithium perfluorobutanesulfonate LiPFBS
Li[C.sub.4F.sub.9SO.sub.3] Lithium vinyltrifluoroborate
Li[F.sub.3BCH.dbd.CH.sub.2] Lithium halide LiX X = F, Cl, Br, I
Benzonitriles R = H, F, Cl, CH.sub.3, C.sub.6R.sub.5C.ident.N
CH.dbd.CH.sub.2, CF.sub.3, NCO, CN, OCH.sub.3 4-fluorobenzonitrile
4*R = H, R' = F FC.sub.6H.sub.4C.ident.N 4-trifluoromethyl
benzonitrile 4*R = H, R' = CF.sub.3
(F.sub.3C)C.sub.6H.sub.4C.ident.N Benzonitrile R = H
C.sub.6H.sub.5C.ident.N Aryl Isocyanates R = H, F, Cl, CH.sub.3,
C.sub.6R.sub.5N.dbd.C.dbd.O CH.dbd.CH.sub.2, CF.sub.3, NCO, CN,
OCH.sub.3 4-methoxyphenyl isocyanate 4*R = H, R' = OCH.sub.3
(CH.sub.3O)C.sub.6H.sub.4N.dbd.C.dbd.O 1,3-phenylene diisocyanate
4*R = H, R' = NCO C.sub.6H.sub.4(N.dbd.C.dbd.O).sub.2 1,4-phenylene
diisocyanate 4*R = H, R' = NCO C.sub.6H.sub.4(N.dbd.C.dbd.O).sub.2
3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl 3*R = H, 2*R' = CF.sub.3
(F.sub.3C).sub.2C.sub.6H.sub.3N.dbd.C.dbd.O isocyanate
2-trifluoromethoxyphenyl 4*R = H, R' = OCF.sub.3
(F.sub.3CO)C.sub.6H.sub.4N.dbd.C.dbd.O isocyanate Alkyl isocyanates
n = 1-12 C.sub.nH.sub.(2n+1)N.dbd.C.dbd.O Ethyl isocyanate n = 2
C.sub.2H.sub.5N.dbd.C.dbd.O Pentyl isocyanate n = 5
C.sub.5H.sub.11N.dbd.C.dbd.O Octyl isocyanate n = 8
C.sub.8H.sub.17N.dbd.C.dbd.O Dodecyl isocyanate n = 12
C.sub.12H.sub.25N.dbd.C.dbd.O 4-fluorobenzyl isocyanate
FC.sub.6H.sub.4(CH.sub.2N.dbd.C.dbd.O)
bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide BTSC
(CH.sub.3).sub.3SiN.dbd.C.dbd.NSi(CH.sub.3).sub.3
1-phenylpyrrolidine NPD C.sub.10H.sub.13N N,N'-Disuccinimidyl
carbonate DSIC C.sub.9H.sub.8N.sub.2O.sub.7 N-nitrosopyrrolidine
NSP C.sub.4H.sub.8N.sub.2O lithium trifluoroacetate LiTFA
LiCO.sub.2CF.sub.3 methyl difluoroacetate MDFA
F.sub.2CHCO.sub.2CH.sub.3 ethyl difluoroacetate Et-DFA
F.sub.2CHCO.sub.2C.sub.2H.sub.5 Ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoro(aceto)acetate
Et-TFAA CF.sub.3COCH.sub.2CO.sub.2C.sub.2H.sub.5 Methyl
2,2-difluoro-2- MDFSA FSO.sub.2CF.sub.2CO.sub.2CH.sub.3
(fluorosulfonyl)acetate Lithium LiPFBS C.sub.4F.sub.9LiO.sub.3S
nonafluorobutanesulfonate Lithium 1,1,2,2,3,3- LiHFPDS
C.sub.3F.sub.6LiNO.sub.4S.sub.2 Hexafluoropropane-1,3-
disulfonimide N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide NFSI
(C.sub.6H.sub.5SO.sub.2).sub.2NF methyl Cyanoacetate MeCNA
NCCH.sub.2COOCH.sub.3 chlorosulfonyl isocyanate ClS--NCO
ClSO.sub.2NCO
Example 1
[0089] We describe a general procedure for the preparation of novel
electrolyte solutions suitable for commercially viable lithium
metal batteries, the components of which are selected from
embodiments herein. Both the concentration of the lithium salts and
the relative ratios between the solvents or additives can be varied
according to individual needs. The electrolyte solution is prepared
in an environment that is moisture- and oxygen-free by dissolving
one lithium salt or a combination of lithium salts selected from
Table I in a mixture that is one part EC and two parts DMC by
volume. The total concentration of lithium cations should occur in
the range of 0.25 M to 5 M. A single additive or combination of
additives is selected from Table II and dissolved in the
electrolyte solution between 0 and 10 wt %. Dissolution occurs
within 1-2 hours and the electrolyte may or may not be filtered
prior to use.
[0090] Intercalation cathodes used in conjunction with the
electrolyte according to the present invention preferably include
transition metal oxides, transition metal oxo-anions,
chalcogenides, and halogenides and combinations thereof.
Non-limiting examples of positive electrode active material for the
rechargeable Li metal anode battery include Chevrel phase
Mo.sub.6S.sub.8, MnO.sub.2, CuS, Cu.sub.2S, Ag.sub.2S, CrS.sub.2,
VOPO.sub.4, layered structure compounds such as TiS.sub.2,
V.sub.2O.sub.5, MgVO.sub.3, MoS.sub.2, MgV.sub.2O.sub.5, MoO.sub.3,
Spinel structured compounds such as CuCr.sub.2S.sub.4,
MgCr.sub.2S.sub.4, MgMn.sub.2O.sub.4, MgNiMnO.sub.4,
Mg.sub.2MnO.sub.4, NASICON structured compounds such as
MgFe.sub.2(PO.sub.4).sub.3 and MgV.sub.2(PO.sub.4).sub.3, Olivine
structured compounds such as MgMnSiO.sub.4 and
MgFe.sub.2(PO.sub.4).sub.2, Tavorite structured compounds such as
Mg.sub.0.5VPO.sub.4F, pyrophosphates such as TiP.sub.2O.sub.7 and
VP.sub.2O.sub.7, and fluorides such as MgMnF.sub.4 and FeF.sub.3.
Non-limiting examples of positive electrode active materials for
the rechargeable Li metal anode battery include lithium transition
metal oxides comprised of one or more transition metals and one or
more redox active transition metals such as Lithium Cobalt Oxide,
Lithium Nickel Managnese Cobalt Oxide, and Lithium Nickel Cobalt
Aluminum Oxide compositions. Non-limiting examples of positive
electrode active materials for the Li battery include Lithium metal
phosphates and tavorites such as LiFePO.sub.4, Lithium metal oxide
spinels LiMn.sub.2O.sub.4, and Li NASICON's
Li.sub.3V.sub.2(PO.sub.4).sub.3. The focus of this invention
excludes the use of air, or oxygen cathodes due to chemical
incompatibility of the non-aqueous electrolyte solutions disclosed
herein as well as the inherent voltage, and hence energy,
limitation of such systems. In particular, the present invention is
not directed to lithium-oxygen batteries.
[0091] In some embodiments, the positive electrode layer further
comprises an electronically conductive additive. Non-limiting
examples of electronically conductive additives include carbon
black, Super P.RTM., C-NERGY Super C65, Ensaco.RTM. black,
Ketjenblack.RTM., acetylene black, synthetic graphite such as
Timrex.RTM. SFG-6, Timrex.RTM. SFG-15, Timrex.RTM. SFG-44,
Timrex.RTM. KS-6, Timrex.RTM. KS-15, Timrex.RTM. KS-44, natural
flake graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, hard
carbon, or mesocarbon microbeads.
[0092] In some embodiments, the positive electrode layer further
comprises a polymer binder. Non-limiting examples of polymer
binders include poly-vinylidene fluoride (PVdF), poly(vinylidene
fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) (PVdF-HFP), Polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE), Kynar Flex.RTM. 2801, Kynar.RTM. Powerflex LBG, and
Kynar.RTM. HSV 900, or Teflon.RTM..
[0093] Negative electrodes used in conjunction with the present
invention comprise a negative electrode active material that can
accept Li-ions into the metallic form. Non-limiting examples of
negative electrode active material for the rechargeable Li metal
anode battery include Li, Li alloys such as Si, Sn, Bi, Al,
Li4Ti5O12, hard carbon, Cu, graphitic carbon, amorphous carbon.
[0094] In some embodiments, the negative electrode layer further
comprises an electronically conductive additive. Non-limiting
examples of electronically conductive additives include carbon
black, Super P.RTM., C-NERGY Super C65, Ensaco.RTM. black,
Ketjenblack.RTM., acetylene black, synthetic graphite such as
Timrex.RTM. SFG-6, Timrex.RTM. SFG-15, Timrex.RTM. SFG-44,
Timrex.RTM. KS-6, Timrex.RTM. KS-15, Timrex.RTM. KS-44, natural
flake graphite, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes, hard carbon, or
mesocarbon microbeads.
[0095] In some embodiments, the negative electrode layer further
comprises a polymer binder. Non-limiting examples of polymer
binders include poly-vinylidene fluoride (PVdF), poly(vinylidene
fluoride-co-hexafluoropropene) (PVdF-HFP), Polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE), Kynar Flex.RTM. 2801, Kynar.RTM. Powerflex LBG, and
Kynar.RTM. HSV 900, or Teflon.RTM..
[0096] In some embodiments, the positive and negative electrodes
are separated by a porous separator comprising a polyolefin,
ceramic, or composite thereof, which is ionically conductive, yet
electronically resistive, Non-limiting examples of materials
comprising separators include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene
(PE), aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2O.sub.3), and poly-vinylidene
fluoride (PVdF).
[0097] In some embodiments, the rechargeable Li metal anode battery
used in conjunction with the electrolyte described herein comprises
a positive electrode current collector comprising carbonaceous
material, or a current collector comprising a metal substrate
coated with an over-layer to prevent corrosion in the electrolyte.
In some embodiments, the rechargeable Li metal battery described
herein comprises a negative electrode current collector comprising
any material capable of sufficiently conducting electrons. In other
embodiments, the rechargeable Li metal battery described herein
comprises positive and negative electrode current collectors
comprising any material capable of sufficiently conducting
electrons.
[0098] In some embodiments, the rechargeable Li metal battery
disclosed herein is a button or coin cell battery comprising a
stack of negative electrode, porous polyolefin or glass fiber
separator, and positive electrode disks sit in a can base onto
which the can lid is crimped. In other embodiments, the
rechargeable Li metal battery used in conjunction with the
electrolyte disclosed herein is a stacked cell battery. In other
embodiments, the rechargeable Li metal battery disclosed herein is
a prismatic, or pouch, cell comprising one or more stacks of
negative electrode, porous polyolefin or glass fiber separator, and
positive electrode sandwiched between current collectors wherein
one or both current collectors comprise a metal, carbonaceous
materials, or a metal substrate coated with an over-layer to
prevent corrosion in the electrolyte. The stack(s) are folded
within a polymer coated aluminum foil pouch, vacuum and heat dried,
filled with electrolyte, and vacuum and heat sealed. In other
embodiments, the rechargeable Li metal battery disclosed herein is
a prismatic, or pouch, bi-cell comprising one or more stacks of a
positive electrode, which is coated with active material on both
sides and wrapped in porous polypropylene or glass fiber separator,
and a negative electrode folded around the positive electrode
wherein one or both current collectors a metal, carbonaceous
materials, or a metal substrate coated with an over-layer to
prevent corrosion in the electrolyte. The stack(s) are folded
within a polymer coated aluminum foil pouch, dried under heat
and/or vacuum, filled with electrolyte, and vacuum and heat sealed.
In some embodiments of the prismatic or pouch cells used in
conjunction with the electrolyte described herein, an additional
tab composed of a metal foil or carbonaceous material of the same
kind as current collectors described herein, is affixed to the
current collector by laser, resistance, or ultrasonic welding,
adhesive, or mechanical contact, in order to connect the electrodes
to the device outside the packaging.
[0099] In other embodiments, the rechargeable Li metal battery used
in conjunction with the electrolyte disclosed herein is a wound or
cylindrical cell comprising wound layers of one or more stacks of a
positive electrode which is coated with active material on one or
both sides, sandwiched between layers of porous polypropylene or
glass fiber separator, and a negative electrode wherein one or both
current collectors a metal, carbonaceous materials, or a metal
substrate coated with an over-layer to prevent corrosion in the
electrolyte. The stack(s) are wound into cylindrical roll, inserted
into the can, dried under heat and/or vacuum, filled with
electrolyte, and vacuum and crimped, or welded shut. In some
embodiments of the cylindrical cells described herein, an
additional tab composed of a metal foil or conducting material of
the same kind as current collectors described herein, is affixed to
the current collector by laser, resistance, or ultrasonic welding,
adhesive, or mechanical contact, in order to connect the electrodes
to an external circuit outside the packaging.
[0100] In other embodiments, the rechargeable Li metal battery
comprises a positive electrode terminal, a negative electrode
terminal, and at least one additional (i.e., 3.sup.rd) terminal
capable of acting as a simple reference electrode for monitoring
resistance, passive voltage, temperature, pressure, an active gate
electrode for controlling voltage, current, resistance, or a
lithium reservoir electrode for replacing depleted lithium.
Example 2
[0101] FIG. 1 depicts voltage vs. percent of rated capacity for
cycle 1 (black) and cycle 60 (grey) of cells containing lithium
transition metal oxide cathode, a lithium metal anode, and an 0.85
M lithium bis(oxalato)borate in EC:DMC 1:2 (v/v) electrolyte. This
is a zero excess lithium cell (i.e., N/P<1, all the lithium in
the as built cell resides in the cathode.) The cell cycled at room
temperature utilizing constant current discharge at one C-rate to
100% depth of discharge. It is apparent from the figure that the
capacity retention at cycle 60 is only about 10% of the value
achieved upon the initial discharge. FIG. 2 depicts voltage vs.
percent of rated capacity for a comparative cell containing
electrolyte additive among those disclosed herein. Cycle 1 (black)
and cycle 60 (grey) of cells containing lithium transition metal
oxide cathode, a lithium metal anode, and an 0.85 M lithium
bis(oxalato)borate with an additive comprising 1 wt % dodecyl
isocyanate dissolved in EC:DMC 1:2 (v/v) electrolyte. This is a
zero excess lithium cell (i.e., N/P<1, all the lithium in the as
built cell resides in the cathode.) The cell cycled at room
temperature utilizing constant current discharge at one C-rate to
100% depth of discharge. It is apparent from the figure that the
capacity retention at cycle 60 is about 50% of the value achieved
upon discharge 1. The modification of the electrolyte through the
addition of the 1 wt % dodecyl isocyanate results in four-fold
increase in capacity retention through 60 cycles. Without being
bound by any particular modes of operation it is thought that the
addition of electrolyte additives to a rechargeable lithium metal
cell comprising a lithium intercalation cathode, lithium anode, and
separator electronically isolating the electrodes from one another,
can improve the character of the cell performance by at least one
of the following means: enhancing the mobility of lithium ions,
enhancing the kinetics of lithium ion de-solvation, so as mitigate
parasitic reduction of other electrolyte components, and/or be
consumed at either or both electrode-electrolyte interfaces
enhancing the stability of the interface while facilitating
transport of lithium ions to and fro the surface.
Example 3
[0102] Three cells comprised of a lithium transition metal oxide
cathode, a lithium metal anode, an electrolyte and an porous,
electronically resistive separator were cycled at room temperature
utilizing constant current discharge at one C-rate to 100% depth of
discharge. FIG. 3 depicts the number of charge-discharge cycles to
50% rated capacity for each of the three cells. The electrolyte in
one cell comprises 1 M LiPF.sub.6 in EC:DMC 1:2 (v/v) while the
electrolyte in the second cell comprises 0.85 M LiBOB in EC:DMC 1:2
(v/v), and the third cell comprises 0.85 M LiBOB and an additive 1
wt % dodecyl isocyanate in EC:DMC 1:2 (v/v). The 1M LiPF.sub.6 in
EC:DMC 1:2 (v/v) requires only 10 cycles to fade down to 50%
capacity while the electrolyte comprised of 0.85 M LiBOB in EC:DMC
1:2 (v/v) enables 50% capacity retention at cycle 36, and additive
containing electrolyte, namely 0.85 M LiBOB and an additive 1 wt %
dodecyl isocyanate in EC:DMC 1:2 (v/v) reaches the 50% capacity
retention mark at 62 cycles. It is clear from the figure that the
cells comprising electrolytes that contain one or more lithium
salts comprising at least two of the following elements boron,
fluorine, carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen suffer significantly less
capacity fade that the cell with an electrolyte comprised of
LiPF.sub.6 lithium salt. Furthermore it is clear from FIG. 3 that
the electrolyte comprised of an additive disclosed herein, 1 wt %
dodecyl isocyanate, and one or more lithium salts comprising at
least two of the following elements boron, fluorine, carbon,
nitrogen, or oxygen provides surprisingly high cycle life in a zero
excess rechargeable lithium cell.
Example 4
[0103] Similar to Example 3, 250 mAh cells comprised of a lithium
transition metal oxide cathode, a lithium metal anode, a
non-aqueous fluid electrolyte from Table III and an porous,
electronically resistive separator were repeatedly cycled at room
temperature utilizing constant current discharge at one C-rate to
100% depth of discharge and a charge rate of 0.5 C-rate to 100%
depth of charge. The percent increase in cycle life at 70% capacity
retention relative to an additive free non-aqueous electrolyte
solution comprising LiBF.sub.2(C.sub.2O.sub.4) dissolved in
carbonate solvents cycled with the same components and cycling
regime is presented in TABLE III. For test group A1 about 3%
increase in the number of cycles to achieve 70% capacity retention
is shown, For test group B1 and C1, there is about 2% and 1%
increase in the number of cycles to achieve 70% capacity retention
relative to the additive free non-aqueous electrolyte
composition.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE III Test Additive Group Additive(s) wt %
Salt(s) Solvent(s) % Increase A1 ClSO.sub.2NCO 1
LiBF.sub.2(C.sub.2O.sub.4) ethylene carbonate, dimethyl 3 carbonate
B1 LiCO.sub.2CF.sub.3 1 LiNO.sub.3, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl 2
LiBF.sub.2(C.sub.2O.sub.4) carbonate C1 LiCO.sub.2CF.sub.3 2
LiBF.sub.2(C.sub.2O.sub.4) 1-methyl-3-trifluoromethyl- 1
2-pyrazolin-5-one, Bis(2,2,2- trifluoroethyl) ether, ethylene
carbonate, dimethyl carbonate
Example 5
[0104] A variety of non-aqueous electrolytes comprising additives
and formulations disclosed herein were prepared as shown in TABLE
IV and added to "LiPo" style cells comprised of a lithium cobalt
oxide cathode at 15 mg/cm2 aerial loading (250 mAh cell overall), a
lithium metal anode as plated upon Cu-based current collector, and
an porous, electronically resistive separator. The cells were
formed at low rate, then cycled aggressively on a 3 hour total time
cycle (about 2 hours to charge, and 1 hour to discharge). This was
conducted at temperature of 28 degrees Celcius and 100%
depth-of-discharge in order to elucidate improvements in Coulombic
efficiency. TABLE IV depicts the results for the Coulombic
efficiency as measure in the 5.sup.th cycle. In addition, the
standard deviation of this value is presented for a test group of
N=5. In all cases, the additive containing formulations provide for
at least 96% Coulombic efficiency, and in the majority of cases the
5.sup.th cycle Coulobic efficiency increases to at least 98%. For
example, the class of fluoroacetates typically provide for at least
about 98% Coulombic efficiency (e.g., MDFSA, LiTFA, MDFA).
Similarly the chlrosulfonyl isocyanate provides for 98.21%
efficiency, and NSP provides for greater than 97% efficiency during
aggressive cycling.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE IV 5th Cycle 5th Cycle Coulombic Coulombic
TEST Additive Efficiency Efficiency GROUP Additive wt % or mM
Salt(s) Solvent(s) Percent (%) Standard Dev. A2 Chlorosulfonyl
isocyanate (ClS-NCO) 1.00% LiDFOB EC, DMC 98.21 0.71 B2 lithium
trifluoroacetate (LiTFA) 1.00% LiNO3, LiDFOB EC, DMC 98.42 0.17 C2
lithium trifluoroacetate (LiTFA) 2.00% MTMP, BTFE, EC, DMC 98.74
0.61 A3 lithium trifluoroacetate (LiTFA) 2.00% LiDFOB EC, DMC 98.13
0.52 B3 N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NSP) 0.25% EC, DMC 97.26 0.75 C3
Perfluoro-1-butanesulfonyl fluoride (PFBS-F) 0.25% EC, DMC 97.90
0.65 A4 Lithium nonafluorobutanesulfonate "nonaflate" 5 mM EC, DMC
97.38 0.78 (LiPFBS) B4 lithium trifluoroacetate (LiTFA) 1.00%
LiDFOB BTFE, TTFP, EC, DMC 98.66 0.41 C4 Lithium trifluoroacetate
(LiTFA) 2.00% LiDFOB EC, DMC 97.82 0.86 A5 Lithium trifluoroacetate
(LiTFA) 2.00% LiDFOB DMMP, EC, DMC 98.11 0.83 B5
1-phenylpyrrolidine (PPD) 0.25% LiDFOB EC, DMC 97.11 1.09 C5
Lithium 1,1,2,2,3,3-Hexafluoropropane-1,3- 5 mM LiDFOB EC, DMC
98.58 0.95 disulfonimide (LiHFPDS) A6 Allyl Trifluoroacetate (Allyl
TFA) 1.00% LiDFOB EC, DMC 96.29 1.59 B6 Methyl
2,2-difluoro-2-(fluorosulfonyl)acetate 1.00% LiDFOB EC, DMC 97.86
0.67 (MDFSA) C6 N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) 0.25% LiDFOB EC,
DMC 97.17 1.16 A7 Disuccinimidyl carbonate (DSIC) 0.25% LiDFOB EC,
DMC 98.06 0.93 B7 Bis(trimethylsilyl)carbodiimide (BTSC) 0.25%
LiDFOB EC, DMC 97.40 1.03 C7 Methyl difluoroacetate (MDFA) 1.00%
LiDFOB EC, DMC 97.92 0.81
Definitions
[0105] Unless otherwise explicitly recited herein, any reference to
"secondary" or "rechargeable" cell is understood to refer to an
electrochemical cell capable of undergoing repeated charge and
discharge cycles.
[0106] Unless otherwise explicitly recited herein, any reference to
"capacity" is understood to refer to amp-hours provided by the cell
or device under normal operating conditions.
[0107] Unless otherwise explicitly recited herein, any reference to
"non-aqueous fluid electrolyte" is understood to refer to a
non-aqueous liquid electrolyte and not to a molten salt, gel, or
dry, solid polymer electrolyte.
[0108] Unless otherwise explicitly recited herein, any reference to
"additive" is understood to refer to a constituent of a non-aqueous
liquid electrolyte, and not to a molten salt, gel, or polymer
electrolyte, that comprises <10% by mass (wt %) of the
non-aqueous fluid electrolyte.
[0109] Unless otherwise explicitly recited herein, any reference to
"current collector" is understood to refer to any material capable
of sufficiently conducting electrons.
[0110] Unless otherwise explicitly recited herein, any reference to
an electronic signal or an electromagnetic signal (or their
equivalents) is to be understood as referring to a non-volatile
electronic signal or a non-volatile electromagnetic signal.
[0111] Unless otherwise explicitly recited herein, any reference to
"record" or "recording" is understood to refer to a non-volatile or
non-transitory record or a non-volatile or non-transitory
recording.
[0112] Recording the results from an operation or data acquisition,
for example, recording results such as an electrical signal having
a particular frequency or wavelength, or recording an image or a
portion thereof, is understood to mean and is defined herein as
writing output data in a non-volatile or non-transitory manner to a
storage element, to a machine-readable storage medium, or to a
storage device. Non-volatile or non-transitory machine-readable
storage media that can be used in the invention include electronic,
magnetic and/or optical storage media, such as magnetic floppy
disks and hard disks; a DVD drive, a CD drive that in some
embodiments can employ DVD disks, any of CD-ROM disks (i.e.,
read-only optical storage disks), CD-R disks (i.e., write-once,
read-many optical storage disks), and CD-RW disks (i.e.,
rewriteable optical storage disks); and electronic storage media,
such as RAM, ROM, EPROM, Compact Flash cards, PCMCIA cards, or
alternatively SD or SDIO memory; and the electronic components
(e.g., floppy disk drive, DVD drive, CD/CD-R/CD-RW drive, or
Compact Flash/PCMCIA/SD adapter) that accommodate and read from
and/or write to the storage media.
Theoretical Discussion
[0113] Although the theoretical description given herein is thought
to be correct, the operation of the devices described and claimed
herein does not depend upon the accuracy or validity of the
theoretical description. That is, later theoretical developments
that may explain the observed results on a basis different from the
theory presented herein will not detract from the inventions
described herein.
[0114] Any patent, patent application, patent application
publication, journal article, book, published paper, or other
publicly available material identified in the specification is
hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Any
material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by
reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,
statements, or other disclosure material explicitly set forth
herein is only incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises
between that incorporated material and the present disclosure
material. In the event of a conflict, the conflict is to be
resolved in favor of the present disclosure as the preferred
disclosure.
[0115] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to the preferred mode as illustrated in
the drawing, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that
various changes in detail may be affected therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
claims.
* * * * *