3-methoxypropionitrile-based novel electrolytes for high-power Li-ion batteries with nanocrystalline Li4Ti5O12 anode

Selection of proper electrolytes is of great importance for high-power lithium-ion batteries. 3-Methoxypropionitfile (MPN)/1 M LiTFSI is shown to be a promising electrolyte for L4Ti5O12-based high-power lithium-ion batteries, as it possesses much better rate performance than the conventional EC + DMC electrolyte. Impedance studies show that the excellent rate capability of MPN-based electrolytes is due to the fast charge transfer at the interface. In addition, MPN-based electrolyte forms a quasi-solid gel with terpolymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride)-hexafluoropropylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene and a low molecular weight organic gelator, 1,3:2,4-di-O-dimethylbenzylidene-D-sorbitol. The electrochemical performance of the gel electrolytes is comparable with their liquid counterparts. (C) 2004 The Electrochemical Society.