3-Methoxypropionitrile-Based Novel Electrolytes for High-Power Li-Ion Batteries with Nanocrystalline Li[sub 4]Ti[sub 5]O[sub 12] Anode

Selection of proper electrolytes is of great importance for high-power lithium-ion batteries. 3-Methoxypropionitrile (MPN)/1 M LiTFSI is shown to be a promising electrolyte for -based high-power lithium-ion batteries, as it possesses much better rate performance than the conventional 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.