Organosilicon (OS) electrolytes have been developed as a viable alternative to conventional carbonate electrolytes for lithium ion batteries^. A recent trend in the Li-ion industry toward adoption of new materials, including electrolytes, is driven by the desire to deploy larger capacity batteries under broader operating conditions.  In addition, the development of new advanced Li-ion chemistries to meet these requirements often require electrolytes with enhanced thermal and electrochemical stability that provide performance across a wide temperature range. This novel organosilicon chemistry involves the merging of a silane with a lithium coordinating functionality. This combination results in solvents comprised of low molecular-weight molecules and having unique properties including high thermal stability, high flash point, low vapor pressure and relatively low viscosities. 

Recently, Silatronix has developed an entirely new class of OS molecules to provide new (patent pending) “Gen-3” solvents whose thermal, chemical, and electrochemical properties greatly surpass those of the earlier suite of OS compounds. Multiple structural variations from the “Gen-3” OS family showcase greatly enhanced stability and performance attributes. Specific examples of performance improvement include higher conductivity and lower viscosity while concomitantly providing superior thermal stability with LiPF6 and reduced gassing. 

In this work, we demonstrate the superior stability and performance attributes of the “Gen-3” family of molecules. For this we have evaluated the physical properties, thermal and electrochemical stability, and performance in coin and pouch cells across a wide temperature range with a variety of electrode materials. This work focuses on exploring the fundamental mechanisms underlying the enhanced stability, including a unique solvation sphere which provides salt stabilization and enhances the stability of all electrolyte components.