Performance of Li-ion cells with new electrolytes conceived for low-temperature applications

In an effort to develop a useful electrolyte for a Li-ion cell applicable in a wide operation temperature, we have studied a number of ternary electrolytes containing a cyclic carbonate (ethylene carbonate (EC)), a linear carbonate (dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), or ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC)), and a low-temperature freezing solvent (methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, isopropyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, or ethyl propionate (EP)). We have studied performance including cycle life of Li-ion cells containing these electrolytes at various temperatures. The performance was various with various electrolyte compositions showing a significant effect of the low-temperature freezing solvents while the effect of the linear carbonates was relatively minor. Cells containing an electrolyte of EC–DMC–MA showed an excellent initial performance at −20°C but it did not give a good cycle life compared with others. Two electrolyte compositions containing EP, EC–DEC–EP and EC–EMC–EP, showed the most attractive overall performance including initial performance at −20°C, cycle life and rate capability at room temperature as well as 50°C.