Improving the Performance at Elevated Temperature of High Voltage Graphite/LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4Cells with Added Lithium Catechol Dimethyl Borate

Performance of LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 /graphite cells cycled to 4.8 V at 55°C with the 1.2 M LiPF 6 in EC/EMC (3/7, STD electrolyte) with and without added lithium catechol dimethyl borate (LiCDMB) has been investigated. The incorporation of 0.5 wt% LiCDMB to the STD electrolyte results in an improved capacity retention and coulombic efficiency upon cycling at 55°C. Ex-situ analysis of the electrode surfaces via a combination of SEM, TEM, and XPS reveals that oxidation of LiCDMB at high potential results in the deposition of a passivation layer on the electrode surface, preventing transition metal ion dissolution from the cathode and subsequent deposition on the anode. NMR investigations of the bulk electrolyte stored at 85°C reveals that added LiCDMB prevents the thermal decomposition of LiPF 6 .