Liquid Electrolytes Comprising Organic Carbonates for Applications in Lithium-Ion, Lithium-Metal, and Lithium-Sulfur Batteries

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This invention describes new non-aqueous liquid electrolytes containing organic non-linear (cyclic) carbonates and cyclic sulfoxides for use in lithium-ion, lithium-metal, and lithium-sulfur batteries. The mixture improves ion conductivity and lowers viscosity compared to traditional electrolytes based purely on propylene carbonate. It remains fluid and stable over a very wide temperature range, including very low temperatures, and enhances the battery's lifetime, safety, and reversible discharge capacity. It ensures both safe handling and compatibility with both carbon-based anodes and transition metal cathodes without relying on volatile or flammable solvents.

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• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for consumer electronics (phones, laptops, tablets)
• Electric vehicle (EV) batteries for improved performance and safety
• Large-scale stationary energy storage systems (e.g., grid-scale batteries or backup power for homes and businesses)
• Batteries for aerospace applications and satellite systems, especially in cold temperatures
• Lithium-metal and lithium-sulfur batteries for next-generation high-capacity storage

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• Enhanced ion conductivity and reduced viscosity lead to faster charging and improved power delivery.
• Stable operation across a very wide temperature window (-150°C to 120°C), enabling use in extreme environments.
• Improved safety profile: avoids using volatile and flammable linear carbonate solvents.
• Non-toxic and safe for human handling, making it particularly suitable for home energy storage.
• Formulation forms stable, electrically insulating yet ion-conductive protective layers on both battery electrodes, increasing battery lifespan and cycle stability.
• Compatible with various lithium salts and electrode materials, increasing flexibility for battery manufacturers.
• Cost-effective production process for electrolytes.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to novel liquid electrolytes for applications in rechargeable lithium ion batteries, lithium metal batteries and lithium-sulfur batteries. Electrolyte mixtures comprising organic nonlinear carbonates as solvent and cyclic sulfoxides as cosolvent in combination with at least one lithium salt show elevated conductivities and reduced viscosities compared to electrolytes based exclusively on propylene carbonate. Moreover, they are soluble within a wide temperature window and show good conductivities and excellent stabilities even at low temperatures. The solvents permit high solubility and dissociation of various lithium salts, are inexpensive to produce and simultaneously safe to the human organism. When the electrolytes of the invention are used in batteries having a carbon-based electrode as anode and a transition metal electrode as cathode, effective, electrically insulating protective layers having good Li+ ion conductivity are formed on both electrodes, and these enable stable cycling with high and reversible discharge capacities.