Non-flammable electrolytes and batteries comprising the same

Abstract

Disclosed is an electrolyte comprising: an amount of a salt; a first solvent; and a second solvent, wherein the second solvent is a flame-resistant solvent and is present in an amount that is about 3 to about 20 mol times the amount of the salt; and wherein the electrolyte is substantially flame-resistant. Also disclosed are batteries comprising the disclosed herein electrolyte.

Description

NON-FLAMMABLE ELECTROLYTES AND BATTERIES COMPRISING THE SAMECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 581 ,746 filed September 11 , 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 620,536, filed January 12, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application relates generally to non-flammable electrolytes that can be used in secondary batteries.BACKGROUND

[0003] The urgent need for clean and renewable power and the rapid development of electric vehicles (EV) and portable electronic devices drive the strong demand for high-energy-density batteries. Lithium metal batteries (LMB) have come into the spotlight due to the specific capacity of the Li metal anode (3860 mAh g-1), which is about 10 times greater than that of the graphite anode (370 mAh g-1) employed by currently commercialized Li-ion batteries (LIBs). The origin of rechargeable lithium metal batteries dates to the 1970s. However, the safety of lithium anode is still problematic.

[0004] One of the key issues that restrict electric vehicle (EV) wide-spreading is the safety concern from the highly flammable and volatile liquid electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The thermal runaway of LIBs could be caused by a short circuit, mechanical abuse, or overcharging, resulting in thermal ignition of the carbonate- based electrolyte. The rapid thermal runaway of one single battery cell could lead to chain reactions in the battery packages, which are manifested as successive explosions and uncontrollable big fires. Therefore, one of the most straightforward avenues toward safe battery cells is to design non-flammable electrolytes.

[0005] Currently, the development of non-flammable electrolytes is still in the laboratory study stage and far away from commercialization. The most popular strategies to develop non-flammable liquid electrolytes include incorporating nonflammable (co-)solvents or flame-retardant additives into the electrolyte, using ionic liquids, and rising salt concentration. However, the above extra components in nonflammable electrolytes will not only change the flammability property and cost but also affect the electrochemical performance of electrolytes. Therefore, a low-cost, nonflammable electrolyte with competitive performance with commercial electrolytes is desired by the LIB market.

[0006] Thus, low-cost, non-flammable electrolytes with competitive or even superior performance as compared to commercially available electrolytes are needed. These needs and other needs are at least partially satisfied by the present disclosure.SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to an electrolyte comprising: an amount of a salt; a first solvent; and a second solvent, wherein the second solvent is a flameresistant solvent and is present in an amount that is about 3 to about 20 mol times the amount of the salt; and wherein the electrolyte is substantially flame-resistant.

[0008] Also disclosed are aspects directed to a battery comprising: a cathode electrode; an anode electrode; and any of the disclosed herein electrolytes, wherein the battery exhibits a capacity retention of at least 70% for at least 300 cycles at a charge / discharge rate of about C / 5 to about 1C.

[0009] Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description or can be learned by practice of the aspects described below. The advantages described below will be realized and attained by means of the chemical compositions, methods, and combinations thereof, particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGURE 1 depicts the charge / discharge capacities and Coulombic efficiencies of LFP / Gr full cells with the commercial electrolyte and the EV.O nonflammable electrolyte at a current rate of C / 3.

[0011] FIGURE 2 depicts the charge / discharge capacities and Coulombic efficiencies of NMC / Gr full cells with the commercial electrolyte and the EV.O nonflammable electrolyte at a current rate of C / 5.

[0012] FIGURES 3A-3B depict the charge / discharge capacities and Coulombic efficiencies of NMC / Gr full cells with the EV.1 non-flammable electrolyte at current rates of C / 5 (FIG. 3A) and 1 C (FIG. 3B).

[0013] FIGURES 4A-4B depict the charge / discharge capacities and Coulombic efficiencies of NMC / Gr full cells with the EV.2 non-flammable electrolyte at current rates of C / 5 (FIG. 4A) and 1 C (FIG. 4B).

[0014] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects described below.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present articles, systems, and / or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific or exemplary aspects of articles, systems, and / or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0016] The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein while still obtaining the beneficialresults of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is again provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof.DEFINITIONS

[0017] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0018] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate aspects, can also be provided in combination in a single aspect. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single aspect, can also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

[0019] As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "a battery" includes two or more such batteries and a reference to "a substrate" includes two or more such substrates and the like.

[0020] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word "comprise" and other forms of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises," means including but not limited to, and are not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, segments, integers, or steps. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the terms comprise, comprising, and comprises as they relate to various aspects, elements, and features of the disclosed invention also include the more limited aspects of "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of."

[0021] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In this specification and in the claims which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined herein.

[0022] For the terms "for example" and "such as," and grammatical equivalences thereof, the phrase "and without limitation" is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. It is further understood that these phrases are used for explanatory purposes only. It is further understood that the term "exemplary," as used herein, means "an example of" and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal aspect.

[0023] The term "or" means "and / or." Recitation of ranges of values is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The endpoints of all ranges are included within the range and independently combinable. All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0024] The expressions "ambient temperature" and "room temperature" as used herein are understood in the art and refer generally to a temperature from about 20 °C to about 35 °C.

[0025] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the disclosure are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values, inclusive of the recited values, may be used. Further, ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about"another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value.

[0026] Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint. Unless stated otherwise, the term "about" means within 5% (e.g., within 2% or 1 %) of the particular value modified by the term "about." It is understood that when some values are disclosed as “about,” the values without about are also described. For example, if the term about 2 is disclosed, the term 2 is also disclosed.

[0027] It is understood that the term "between," when used in the context of ranges, includes the bordering values of the range. For example, a range described as being between 10 and 15 includes both 10 and 15 unless described otherwise.

[0028] When a range is expressed, a further aspect includes from the one particular value and to the other particular value. For example, where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure, e.g., the phrase "x to y" includes the range from 'x' to 'y' as well as the range greater than 'x' and less than 'y'. The range can also be expressed as an upper limit, e.g., 'x, y, z, or less' and should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of 'x,' 'y ,' 'z>' 'about x,' 'about y,' and 'about z' as well as the ranges of 'less than x,' 'less than y, or 'less than z,' or 'less than about x,' 'less than about y, and 'less than about z.' Likewise, the phrase ' x, y, z, or greater' should be interpreted to include the specific ranges of 'x,' 'y,' 'z,' 'about x,' 'about y,' and 'about z' as well as the ranges of 'greater than x,' greater than y,' 'greater than z,' or 'greater than about x,' greater than about y,' 'greater than about z.' In addition, the phrase " 'x' to 'y'," where 'x' and 'y' are numerical values, also includes "about 'x' to about 'y'."

[0029] Such a range format is used for convenience and brevity and, thus, should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-rangesencompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. To illustrate, a numerical range of " 0.1 % to 5%" should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of 0.1 % to 5% but also include individual values (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.5% to 1 .1 %; 5% to 2.4%; 0.5% to 3.2%, and 0.5% to 4.4%, and other possible sub-ranges) within the indicated range.

[0030] Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value recited or falling within the range unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited. Ranges provided herein are understood to be shorthand for all of the values within the range. For example, a range of 1 to 50 is understood to include any number, or combination of numbers, from the group consisting of 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 , 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 , 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, or 50 or sub-ranges from the group consisting of 10-40, 20-50, 5-35, etc. Similarly, numerical ranges recited herein by endpoints include subranges subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1 -1.5, 1.5-2, 2-2.75, 2.75-3, 3-3.90, 3.90-4, 4-4.24, 4.24-5, 2-5, 3-5, 1 -4, and 2-4).

[0031] In still further aspects, when the specific values are disclosed between two end values, it is understood that these end values can also be included.

[0032] In still further aspects, when the range is given and exemplary values are provided, it is understood that any ranges can be formed between any exemplary values within the broadest range.

[0033] References in the specification and concluding claims to parts by weight of a particular element or component in a composition denote the weight relationship between the element or component and any other elements or components in the composition or article for which a part by weight is expressed. Thus, in a mixture containing 2 parts by weight of component X and 5 parts by weight, components Y, X,and Y are present at a weight ratio of 2:5 and are present in such a ratio regardless of whether additional components are contained in the mixture.

[0034] A weight percent (wt.%) of a component, unless specifically stated to the contrary, is based on the total weight of the formulation or composition in which the component is included.

[0035] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements or layers should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," "on" versus "directly on").

[0036] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

[0038] As used herein, the term "substantially" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance completely occurs or that the subsequently described event or circumstance generally, typically, or approximately occurs.

[0039] Still further, the term "substantially" can, in some aspects, refer to at least about 80 %, at least about 85 %, at least about 90 %, at least about 91 %, at least about 92 %, at least about 93 %, at least about 94 %, at least about 95 %, at leastabout 96 %, at least about 97 %, at least about 98 %, at least about 99 %, or about 100 % of the stated property, component, composition, or other condition for which substantially is used to characterize or otherwise quantify an amount.

[0040] In other aspects, as used herein, the term "substantially free," when used in the context of a composition or component of a composition that is substantially absent, is intended to refer to an amount that is then about 1 % by weight, e.g., less than about 0.5 % by weight, less than about 0.1 % by weight, less than about 0.05 % by weight, or less than about 0.01 % by weight of the stated material, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0041] In still further aspects, the terms "substantially identical reference composition" or "substantially identical reference methods" refer to compositions, articles, or methods steps that are substantially identical to the disclosed compositions or methods steps in the absence of an inventive component, element, or method step. In another exemplary aspect, the term "substantially," in, for example, the context "substantially identical reference composition," or "substantially identical reference article," or "substantially identical reference electrochemical cell," refers to a reference composition, article, or an electrochemical cell comprising substantially identical components and wherein an inventive component is substituted with a common in the art component.

[0042] It is understood that the term "salt," as used herein, refers to a chemical compound that can be formed from a reaction between an acid and a base. It is understood that the term "salt," as used herein, encompasses both inorganic and organic salts capable of providing the desired properties to the composition. In still further aspects, a cation of the disclosed herein salts is a metal cation.

[0043] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," "bottom," "top," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation inaddition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly.

[0044] While aspects of the present invention can be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present invention can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to the arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0045] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of various aspects of the invention and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.ELECTROLYTES

[0046] Disclosed herein are non-flammable electrolytes that can be used in the secondary batteries. It is understood that the disclosed herein electrolytes that apply to the Li-batteries can similarly be applied to Na and K- batteries, with electrolyte compositions, such as the presence of specific salts, for example, and cathode active materials adjusted to the presence of Na and K ions.

[0047] In certain aspects, disclosed herein is an electrolyte comprising: an amount of a salt; a first solvent; and a second solvent, wherein the second solvent is a flame-resistant solvent. In still further aspects, the second solvent is present in an amount that is about 3 to about 20 mol times the amount of the salt, including exemplary values of about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11 , about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 16, about 17, about 18, and about 19 mol times the amount of the salt. It is understood that the second solvent can be present in any amount that falls within any of the disclosed above values. It is also understood that the second solvent can be present in an amount that falls in any range between (and including to) any two of the disclosed above values or any two values that fall between (and including to) any two of the mentioned above values. For example, and without limitations, the second solvent can be present in an amount of about 3 to about 18 mol times the amount of the salt, or about 3 to about 15 mol times the amount of the salt, or about 3 to about 12 mol times the amount of the salt, or about 3 to about 10 mol times the amount of the salt, or about 3 to about 8 mol times the amount of the salt, or about 3 to about 5 mol times the amount of the salt, or about 5 to about 15 mol times the amount of the salt, or about 3 to about 10 mol times the amount of the salt, and so on.

[0048] In still further aspects, the electrolytes disclosed herein are substantially flame-resistant. It is understood that the term "flame-resistant" as used herein can be understood in the conventional interpretation, such as the electrolyte is resistant to catching fire. It is further understood that the flame-resistant electrolytes can withstand high temperatures up to about 200 °C without catching fire or without being ignited. The flame resistance was tested at temperatures of about 600 °C (regular lighters) and about 2000 °C (torch gun lighters). On both occasions no ignition of the disclosed herein electrolytes were observed.

[0049] In still further aspects, the first solvent can comprise dioxane, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, polyoxylene, fluoroethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, N-methyl acetamide, acetonitrile, symmetric sulfone, sulfolane, polyethylene glycol, dimethoxyethane, ethyl propionate, n-propyl propionate, 1 ,3-dioxolane, glymes, siloxane, ethylene oxide grafted sulfolane, vinylene carbonate, 1 ,3,2-dioxathiolane-2,2-dioxide, prop-1 -ene1 ,3, sultone,methylene methane disulfonate, tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite, or a combination thereof. In still further aspects, at least one of the first solvents comprises ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, or a combination thereof.

[0050] It is understood that in certain aspects, the first solvent can comprise only one solvent. Yet in other aspects, the first solvent can comprise a mixture of two or more solvents. In aspects where the first solvent comprises two or more solvents, these two or more solvents can be present in about 1 :5 to about 5:1 volume ratio, including exemplary values of about 1 :4, about 1 :3, about 1 :2, about 2:3, about 3:4, about 4:5, about 1 :1 , about 4:3, about 5:4, about 3:2, about 5:3, about 2:1 , about 3:1 , and about 4:1 volume ratio. It is understood that the two or more solvents can be present in a ratio that falls within any of the disclosed above values. It is also understood that the two or more solvents can be present in a ratio that falls in any range between any two of the disclosed above values or any two values that fall between any two of the mentioned above values. For example, and without limitations, the two or more solvents can be present in ratios about 1 :4 to 4:1 volume ratio, or about 1 :5 to about 3:1 volume ratio, or about 1 :3 to about 1 :5 volume ratio, or about 2:3 to about 5:1 volume ratio, or about 1 :5 to about 5:3 volume ratio, and so on.

[0051] In still further aspects, the two or more solvents can be present in about 1 :5 to about 5:1 weight ratio, including exemplary values of about 1 :4, about 1 :3, about 1 :2, about 2:3, about 3:4, about 4:5, about 1 :1 , about 4:3, about 5:4, about 3:2, about 5:3, about 2:1 , about 3:1 , and about 4:1 weight ratio. It is understood that the two or more solvents can be present in a ratio that falls within any of the disclosed above values. It is also understood that the two or more solvents can be present in a ratio that falls in any range between any two of the disclosed above values or any two values that fall between any two of the mentioned above values. For example, and without limitations, the two or more solvents can be present in ratio about 1 :4 to 4:1 weight ratio, or about 1 :5 to about 3:1 weight ratio, or about 1 :3 to about 1 :5 weight ratio, or about 2:3 to about 5:1 weight ratio, or about 1 :5 to about 5:3 weight ratio, and so on.

[0052] In still further aspects, the salt present in the electrolyte is soluble in at least the first solvent. Yet, in other aspects, the salt is soluble in at least the second solvent. In yet still further aspects, the salt is soluble in both first and second solvents. In still other aspects, the solubility of the salt in the first solvent can be greater than the solubility of the salt in the second solvent. In yet other aspects, the solubility of the salt in the first solvent is lower than the solubility of the salt in the second solvent. In yet further aspects, the solubility of the salt in the first and the second solvents is substantially the same. In still further aspects, the solubility of the salt in the first solvent, and / or second solvent can be up to about 15 M, up to about 14 M, up to about 13 M, up to about 12 M, up to about 11 M, up to about 10 M, up to about 9 M, or up to about 8 M. Yet in other aspects, the solubility of the salt in the first solvent, and / or second solvent can be at least about 0.01 M, at least about 0.05 M, at least about 0.1 M, at least about 0.5 M, at least about 1 M, at least about 1 .5 M, at least about 2 M, at least about 2.5 M, at least about 3 M, at least about 3.5 M, at least about 4 M, at least about 4.5 M, at least about 5 M, at least about 5.5 M, at least about 6 M, at least about6.5 M, at least about 7 M, at least about 7.5 M, at least about 8 M, at least about 8.5 M, at least about 9 M, at least about 9.5 M, at least about 10 M, at least about 10.5 M, at least about 1 1 M, at least about 11 .5 M, at least about 12 M, at least about 12.5 M, at least about 13 M, at least about 13.5 M, or at least about 14 M. In still further aspects, the solubility of the salt in the first solvent, and / or second solvent can be about 0.01 M to about 15 M, including exemplary values of about 0.05 M, about 0.1 M, about 0.5 M, about 1 M, about 1 .5 M, about 2 M, about 2.5 M, about 3 M, about 3.5 M, about 4 M, about 4.5 M, about 5 M, about 5.5 M, about 6 M, about 6.5 M, about 7 M, about 7.5 M, about 8 M, at least about 8.5 M, about 9 M, about 9.5 M, about 10 M, about 10.5 M, about 11 M, about 1 1 .5 M, about 12 M, about 12.5 M, about 13 M, about13.5 M, about 14 M, and about 14. 5M. It is also understood that the solubility of the salt in the first solvent and / or second solvent can be in any amount that falls in any range between (and including to) any two of the disclosed above values or any two values that fall between (and including to) any two of the mentioned above values. For example, and without limitations, the solubility of the salt in the first solvent and / orsecond solvent can be about 0.01 M to about 15 M, about 0.5 M to about 12 M, or about 1 M to about 10 M, or about 0.01 M to about 13 M and so on.

[0053] In still further aspects, the amount of salt in the electrolyte is about 0.01 M to about 5 M, including exemplary values of about 0.05 M, about 0.1 M, about 0.5 M, about 1 M, about 1 .5 M, about 2 M, about 2.5 M, about 3 M, about 3.5 M, about 4 M, and about 4.5 M. It is also understood that the amount of salt in the electrolyte can be in any value that falls in any range between (and including to) any two of the disclosed above values, or any two values that fall between (and including to) any two of the mentioned above values. For example, and without limitations, the amount of salt in the electrolyte can be about 0.1 M to about 4.5 M, about 0.5 M to about 4.3 M, or about 1 M to about 3 M, or about 0.5 M to about 3 M and so on.

[0054] In still further aspects, the salt comprises lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (LiBETI), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), LiPFe, LiAsFe, LiBF4, LiCFaSOa, LiCIO4, lithium difluoro oxalato borate (LiDFOB), lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(trifluoromethyl)imidazolide (LiTDI), or any combination thereof. It is understood that these salts can be present in any combination and any amount, as disclosed above. In certain aspects, if more than one salt is present, one salt can be an amount greater than another salt. In still other aspects, if more than one salt is present, salts can be in the same amounts. In yet other aspects, when more than one salt is present in the electrolyte, at least one salt is present in an amount of about 0.1 M to about 5 M, and yet another salt is present in an amount of 0.01 M to about 0.5 M.

[0055] In still further aspects, the salts can be present in an amount that is measured in wt.% relative to the total weight of the electrolyte. In such aspects, the one or more salts can be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt.% to about 80 wt.%, including exemplary values of about 0.05 wt.%, about 0.1 wt.%, about 0.5 wt.%, about 1 wt.%, about 1 .5 wt.%, about 2 wt.%, about 2.5 wt.%, about 3 wt.%, about 3.5 wt.%, about 4 wt.%, about 4.5 wt.%,%, about 5 wt.%, about 5.5 wt.%, about 6 wt.%, about 6.5 wt.%, about 7 wt.%, about 7.5 wt.%, about 8 wt.%, about 8.5 wt.%, about 9 wt.%, about 9.5 wt.%, about 10 wt.%, about 10.5 wt.%, about 11 wt.%, about 1 1 .5 wt.%,about 12 wt.%, about 12.5 wt.%, about 13 wt.%, about 13.5 wt.%, about 14 wt.%, about 14.5 wt.%, about 15 wt.%, about 15.5 wt.%,%, about 16 wt.%, about 16.5 wt.%, about 17 wt.%, about 17.5 wt.%, about 18 wt.%, about 18.5 wt.%, about 19 wt.%, about 19.5 wt.%, about 20 wt.%, about 22.5 wt.%, about 25 wt.%, about 27.5 wt.%, about 30 wt.%, about 35 wt.%,%, about 40 wt.%, about 25 wt.%, about 50 wt.%, about 55 wt.%, about 60 wt.%, about 65 wt.%, about 70 wt.%, about 75 wt.%, and about 79 wt.%. It is also understood that the amount of salt in the electrolyte can be in any value that falls in any range between (and including to) any two of the disclosed above values or any two values that fall between (and including to) any two of the mentioned above values. For example, and without limitations, the amount of salt in the electrolyte can be about 0.1 wt.% to about 19 wt.%, about 0.5 wt.% to about 5 wt.%, or about 1 wt.% to about 15 wt.%, or about 0.5 wt.% to about 65 wt.%, about 0.5 wt.% to about 79.99 wt.% and so on.

[0056] In still further aspects, the amount of salt present in the electrolyte can be calculated in mol ration. For example, and without limitations, the electrolytes disclosed herein can have a mol ratio of the salt to the first solvent of about 1 :1 to about 1 :5, including exemplary values of about 1 :2, about 1 :3, and about 1 :4. It is understood that the salt can be present in any mol ratio to the first solvent that can fall within any of the disclosed above values. It is also understood that the salt can be present in any mol ratio to the first solvent that falls in any range between any two of the disclosed above values or any two values that fall between any two of the mentioned above values. For example, and without limitations, the salt can be present in a mol ratio to the first solvent in a ratio of about 1 :1 to 1 :4, or about 1 :1 to about 1 :3, or about 1 :1 to about 1 :2, and so on.

[0057] In still further aspects, the second solvent can comprise 1 ,1 ,2,2-tetrafluoro- 3-(1 ,1 ,2,2,-tetrafluoroethoxy)propane (TTE), bi(2,2,2-trifluorethyle)ether, 1 H,6H- perfluorohexane, 1 H-perfluorohexane, perfluorohexane, 1 ,1 ,1 ,2, 2, 3, 3,4,4, 5,5, 6,6- Tridecafluoro-8-iodooctane, 1 H,1 H,7H-Perfluoro-1 -heptanol, 2H,3H-Perfluoropentane, any modifications thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0058] In still further aspects, any of the disclosed herein solvents (the first and / or the second solvent) can be modified. It is understood that the term "modified," as used herein, refers to the desired functionalization of the solvent. It is understood that in some aspects, the solvents can be functionalized to add the desired functional groups to further improve the electrolyte properties. It is understood that the further improvement can be demonstrated in an approved conductivity of the electrolyte, its stability towards high temperature, or stability towards the formation of a solidelectrolyte interphase when the electrolyte is used in a battery, a battery performance, and so on.

[0059] In still further aspects, the electrolyte can comprise one or more additives. The additives can be added to improve the solubility of the components, to further improve flame-resistance of the components, the conductivity and ionic transfer of the electrolytes and so on. In certain aspects, the first solvent comprises at least one component that is a solid prior to addition to the first solvent. For example, in certain aspects, this component the at least one component is substantially soluble in the first solvent. Yet, in other aspects, the at least one component that is at least partially soluble in the first solvent.

[0060] In still further aspects, the at least one component can be at least partially soluble in the second solvent. While in still further aspects, the at least one component is substantially soluble in the second solvent.

[0061] In still further aspects, the at least one component can be another salt, such as an inorganic salt or organic salt. Yet in other aspects, the at least one component is a filler, diluent, cosolvent, flame retardant, conductive additive, or any combination thereof.

[0062] For example, the additional flame retardants can comprise triazine, phosphazene, silane, phosphite, phosphonate, phosphate, phosphonamidate, fluorine- rich organic solvents, and ionic liquids, any derivatives thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0063] In still further aspects, the at least one component is present in an amount of less than about 20 wt.%, less than about 17.5 wt.%, less than about 15 wt.%, less than about 12.5 wt.%, less than about 10 wt.%, less than about 7.5 wt.%, less than about 5 wt.%, less than about 2.5 wt.%, less than about 1 wt.%, less than about 0.5 wt.% based on a total weight of the electrolyte. In still further aspects, the at least one component is present in an amount of about 0.1 wt.% to about 15 wt.%, including exemplary values of about 0.5 wt.%, about 1 wt.%, about 1 .5 wt.%, about 2 wt.%, about 2.5 wt.%, about 3 wt.%, about 3.5 wt.%, about 4.5 wt.%, about 5 wt.%, about 5.5 wt.%, about 6 wt.%, about 6.5 wt.%, about 7 wt.%, about 7.5 wt.%, about 8 wt.%, about 8.5 wt.%, about 9 wt.%, about 9.5 wt.%, about 10 wt.%, about 10.5 wt.%, about 11 wt.%, about 1 1 .5 wt.%, about 12 wt.%, about 12.5 wt.%, about 13 wt.%, about 13.5 wt.%, about 14 wt.%, and about 14.5 wt.%. It is also understood that the at least one component is present in an amount in any value that falls in any range between (and including to) any two of the disclosed above values or any two values that fall between (and including to) any two of the mentioned above values. For example, and without limitations, the at least one component is present in an amount of about 0.1 wt.% to about 14 wt.%, about 0.5 wt.% to about 12 wt.%, or about 1 wt.% to about 10 wt.% and so on.

[0064] In still further aspects, the second solvent is present in the electrolyte in a mol amount that is at least about 1 / 3 of a mol amount of the first solvent, at least about1 / 2 a mol amount of the first solvent, at least about 2 / 3 a mol amount of the first solvent, or at least equal to a mol amount of the first solvent. In yet still further aspects, a mol amount of the second solvent is greater than or equal to a mol amount of the first organic solvent. In still further aspects, a mol amount of the second solvent is about 10 %, about 20 %, about 30 %, about 40 %, about 50 %, about 60 %, about 70 %, about 80 %, about 90 %, about 100 %, about 15 0%, or about 200 % greater than a mol amount of the first solvent.

[0065] It is further understood that the first solvent can comprise two or more solvents or three or more solvents. In yet still further aspects, the second solvent can comprise two or more solvents or three or more solvents. In yet still further at least oneof the three or more solvents present in either first solvent or second solvent is present in an amount of less than about 20 wt.%, less than about 15 wt. %, less than about 10 wt. %, less than about 5 wt. %, less than about 1 wt. % based on a total weight of the electrolyte. Yet in still further aspects, at least one of the three or more solvents present in either first solvent or second solvent can be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt.% to about 20 wt.% based on a total weight of the electrolyte, including exemplary values of about 0.5 wt.%, about 1 wt.%, about 1 .5 wt.%, about 2 wt.%, about 2.5 wt.%, about 3 wt. %, about 3.5 wt.%, about 4.5 wt.%, about 5 wt.%, about 5.5 wt. %, about 6 wt.%, about 6.5 wt. %, about 7 wt.%, about 7.5 wt.%, about 8 wt.%, about 8.5 wt. %, about 9 wt.%, about 9.5 wt.%, about 10 wt.%, about 10.5 wt.%, about 11 wt.%, about 1 1 .5 wt. %, about 12 wt.%, about 12.5 wt.%, about 13 wt.%, about 13.5 wt.%, about 14 wt.%, about 14.5 wt.%, about 15 wt.%, about 15.5 wt.%, about 16 wt.%, about 16.5 wt.%, about 17 wt.%, about 17.5 wt.%, about 18 wt.%, about 18.5 wt.%, about 19 wt.%, and about 19.5 wt.% based on a total weight of the electrolyte. It is also understood that the at least one of the three or more solvents present in either the first solvent or second solvent can be present in any amount that falls in any range between (and including to) any two of the disclosed above values or any two values that fall between (and including to) any two of the mentioned above values. For example, and without limitations, the at least one of the three or more solvents present in either the first solvent or second solvent can be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt.% to about 19 wt.%, about 0.5 wt.% to about 15 wt.%, or about 1 wt.% to about 10 wt.% and so on.

[0066] In still further aspects, the two of the three or more solvents, when present in either the first solvent or second solvent, are present in about 1 :5 to about 5:1 volume ratio or 1 :5 to 5:1 weight ratio.

[0067] In certain aspects, the two of the three or more solvents, when present in either the first solvent or second solvent, are present in about 1 :5 to about 5:1 volume ratio, including exemplary values of about 1 :4, about 1 :3, about 1 :2, about 2:3, about 3:4, about 4:5, about 1 :1 , about 4:3, about 5:4, about 3:2, about 5:3, about 2:1 , about 3:1 , and about 4:1 volume ratio. It is understood that two of the three or more solvents,when present in either the first solvent or second solvent, can be present in a ratio that falls within any of the disclosed above values. It is also understood that two of the three or more solvents, when present in either the first solvent or second solvent, can be present in a ratio that falls in any range between any two of the disclosed above values or any two values that fall between any two of the mentioned above values. For example, and without limitations, two of the three or more solvents, when present in either the first solvent or second solvent, can be present in ratio about 1 :4 to 4:1 volume ratio, or about 1 :5 to about 3:1 volume ratio, or about 1 :3 to about 1 :5 volume ratio, or about 2:3 to about 5:1 volume ratio, or about 1 :5 to about 5:3 volume ratio, and so on.

[0068] In still further aspects, two of the three or more solvents, when present in either the first solvent or second solvent, can be present in about 1 :5 to about 5:1 weight ratio, including exemplary values of about 1 :4, about 1 :3, about 1 :2, about 2:3, about 3:4, about 4:5, about 1 :1 , about 4:3, about 5:4, about 3:2, about 5:3, about 2:1 , about 3:1 , and about 4:1 weight ratio. It is understood that the two of the three or more solvents, when present in either the first solvent or second solvent, can be present in a ratio that falls within any of the disclosed above values. It is also understood that the two of the three or more solvents, when present in either the first solvent or second solvent, can be present in a ratio that falls in any range between any two of the disclosed above values or any two values that fall between any two of the mentioned above values. For example, and without limitations, the two of the three or more solvents, when present in either the first solvent or second solvent, can be present in ratio about 1 :4 to 4:1 weight ratio or about 1 :5 to about 3:1 weight ratio or about 1 :3 to about 1 :5 weight ratio, or about 2:3 to about 5:1 weight ratio, or about 1 :5 to about 5:3 weight ratio, and so on.

[0069] In yet still further aspects, the three of the three or more solvents, when present in either the first solvent or second solvent, can be present in a 1 :1 :1 ratio either by volume or by weight.

[0070] In still further aspects, the electrolytes disclosed herein can be used in electrochemical cells, such as for example, batteries. In such exemplary and unlimitingaspects, when the electrolyte is used in an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell exhibits a capacity retention of at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, or at least about 90%, for at least about 250 cycles, at least about 300 cycles, at least about 350 cycles, at least about 400 cycles, at least about 450 cycles, at least about 500 cycles, at least about 550 cycles, at least about 600 cycles, at least about 650 cycles, at least about 700 cycles, at least about 750 cycles, at least about 800 cycles, at least about 850 cycles, at least about 900 cycles, at least about 950 cycles, or at least about 1000 cycles at a charge / discharge rate of about C / 5 to about 1 C, including exemplary values of about C / 4, about C / 3, about C / 2, about 3C / 5, about 2C / 3, about 3C / 4, about 4C / 5 (or about C / 5 to 4C / 5, or C / 2 to about 4C / 5, or about C / 4 to about 2C / 3, and so on). It is understood that in certain aspects, the electrochemical cells utilizing the disclosed herein electrolytes can exhibit the disclosed above capacity retention for more than about 1000 cycles, more than about 1500 cycles, or even more than about 5000 cycles when evaluated at the disclosed above conditions.

[0071] In still further aspects, when the electrolyte is used in an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell exhibits a capacity retention of about 60% to less than or equal to 100%, including exemplary ranges (and any values within the ranges) of about 60% to about 95%, about 70% to about 90%, about 65% to about 99%, and so on, for at least about 250 cycles to about 1000 cycles, including exemplary ranges (and any values within the ranges) of about 250 cycles to about 800 cycles, or about 300 cycles to about 1000 cycles, or about 400 cycles to about 1000 cycles at a charge / discharge rate of about C / 5 to about 1C, including exemplary values of about C / 4, about C / 3, about C / 2, about 3C / 5, about 2C / 3, about 3C / 4, about 4C / 5 (or about C / 5 to 4C / 5, or C / 2 to about 4C / 5, or about C / 4 to about 2C / 3, and so on).

[0072] In still further aspects, the electrolyte disclosed herein exhibits a conductivity of about 0.001 S / cm to about 1 S / cm, including exemplary values of about 0.002 S / cm, about 0.003 S / cm, about 0.004 S / cm, about 0.005 S / cm, about 0.006 S / cm, about 0.007 S / cm, about 0.008 S / cm, about 0.009 S / cm, about 0.01 S / cm, about 0.02 S / cm, about 0.03 S / cm, about 0.04 S / cm, about 0.05 S / cm, about 0.06 S / cm, about 0.07S / cm, about 0.08 S / cm, about 0.09 S / cm, about 0.1 S / cm, about 0.25 S / cm, about 0.5 S / cm, about 0.75 S / cm, about 0.99 S / cm. It is also understood that the conductivity value can fall in any range between (and including to) any two of the disclosed above values or any two values that fall between (and including to) any two of the mentioned above values. For example, and without limitations, the electrolyte disclosed herein exhibits a conductivity of about 0.001 S / cm to about 0.02 S / cm, about 0.002 S / cm to about 0.05 S / cm, about 0.002 S / cm to about 0.1 S / cm, or about 0.002 S / cm to about 0.5 S / cm and so on.BATTERIES

[0073] In still further aspects, disclosed herein are batteries comprising the disclosed above electrolytes.

[0074] The batteries comprising the disclosed electrolyte can be coin cell batteries, pouch cell batteries, cylindrical cell batteries, and prismatic cell batteries.

[0075] In still further aspects, disclosed herein is a battery comprising: a cathode electrode; an anode electrode; and any of the disclosed above electrolytes. In still further aspects, the disclosed battery exhibits a capacity retention of at least about 70% for at least about 300 cycles at a charge / discharge rate of about C / 5 to about 1 C.

[0076] In still further aspects, the battery exhibits a capacity retention of at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, or at least about 90%, for at least about 250 cycles, at least about 300 cycles, at least about 350 cycles, at least about 400 cycles, at least about 450 cycles, at least about 500 cycles, at least about 550 cycles, at least about 600 cycles, at least about 650 cycles, at least about 700 cycles, at least about 750 cycles, at least about 800 cycles, at least about 850 cycles, at least about 900 cycles, at least about 950 cycles, or at least about 1000 cycles at a charge / discharge rate of about C / 5 to about 1 C, including exemplary values of about C / 4, about C / 3, about C / 2, about 3C / 5, about 2C / 3, about 3C / 4, about 4C / 5 (or about C / 5 to 4C / 5, or C / 2 to about 4C / 5, or about C / 4 to about 2C / 3, and so on). It is understood that in certain aspects, the battery can exhibit the disclosed above capacity retention for more than about 1000cycles, more than about 1500 cycles, or even more than about 5000 cycles when evaluated at the disclosed above conditions.

[0077] In still further aspects, the battery exhibits a capacity retention of about 60% to less than or equal to 100%, including exemplary ranges (and any values within the ranges) of about 60% to about 95%, about 70% to about 90%, about 65% to about 99%, and so on, for at least about 250 cycles to about 1000 cycles, including exemplary ranges (and any values within the ranges) of about 250 cycles to about 800 cycles, or about 300 cycles to about 1000 cycles, or about 400 cycles to about 1000 cycles at a charge / discharge rate of about C / 5 to about 1 C, including exemplary values of about C / 4, about C / 3, about C / 2, about 3C / 5, about 2C / 3, about 3C / 4, about 4C / 5 (or about C / 5 to 4C / 5, or C / 2 to about 4C / 5, or about C / 4 to about 2C / 3, and so on).

[0078] In still further aspects, the battery can comprise a separator. In such aspects, any known in the art separators that are capable of achieving the desired results can be used. For example, and without limitations, the separators can comprise glass fiber, a porous polymer film (e.g., polyethylene- or polypropylene-based material) with or without a ceramic coating, or a composite (e.g., a porous film of inorganic particles and a binder). One exemplary polymeric separator is a polyethylene (PE) membrane. Another exemplary polymeric separator is a polypropylene (PP) membrane. The separator may be infused with any of the disclosed electrolytes herein.

[0079] In still further aspects, the battery comprises an anode, wherein the anode comprises carbon, silicon, Li, Li alloys, Li intermetallics, Li compounds, TiNb2O?, Li4TisOi2, or any combination thereof. In still further aspects, the anode electrode comprises a metal current collector serving as a substrate for an anode active material being formed in situ on a first cycling of a battery. In still further aspects, the anode electrode is formed in situ on a bare current collector, where the current collector can comprise any of the disclosed herein materials. In some aspects, such a battery can be referred to as anodeless configuration.

[0080] It is understood that similar electrolytes can be used in potassium or sodium anode-based batteries, wherein the salts are exchanged for salts containing potassium of sodium cations.

[0081] In still further aspects, the cathode present in the battery can be a metal cathode or a composite cathode. In yet further aspects, the cathode comprises layered oxide cathodes, vanadium-based cathodes, sulfur-based cathodes, manganese-based cathodes, rocksalt cathode, disordered rocksalt cathode, lithium-rich cathode, NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide) cathode, NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide) cathode, NFM (nickel-iron-manganese oxide) cathode, LCO (lithium-cobalt oxide) cathode, LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cathode, fluoride-based cathode, sulfur selenium cathode, sulfur cathode, selenium cathode, tellurium cathode, spinels cathode, olivines cathode, or any combination thereof.

[0082] Yet in still further exemplary and unlimiting aspects, the cathode active material can comprise a high density nickel-rich layered transition metal oxide (Li[NixMnyCoz]02 (x+y+z = 1 )), a lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4), or nickel-doped lithium manganese oxide (Li[Nio.5Mm.5]04).

[0083] In still further aspects, the cathode composite material can comprise additional components. For example, and without limitations, in some aspects, the cathode composite material can comprise one or more fillers. In such exemplary aspects, the one or more fillers can comprise conductive fillers, flame retardants, flame-resistant agents, stabilizers, antibacterial agents, or any combination thereof. For example, and without limitations, the one or more filler can comprise a carbon black, a modified carbon black, a graphene, multi-layer graphene, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanospheres, graphite, a reduced graphene oxide, or any combination thereof. Yet in still further aspects, the cathode can comprise binders such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene oxide), cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl butyral (PVB), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), ethyl cellulose (EC), copolymers thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0084] Yet, in still further aspects, the preferable fillers are those that do not negatively affect the ionic conductivity or stability of the cathode composite material.

[0085] In still further aspects, the battery exhibits a Coulombic efficiency greater than about 80%, greater than about 85%, greater than about 90%, greater than about 95%, greater than about 99% over at least about 100 cycles, at least about 200 cycles, at least about 300 cycles, at least about 400 cycles, at least about 500 cycles, at least about 600 cycles, at least about 700 cycles, at least about 800 cycles, at least about 900 cycles, or at least about 1000 cycles.

[0086] In still further aspects, the battery exhibits a coulombic efficiency no less than about 99.9%, no less than about 99%, no less than about 95%, no less than about 92%, no less than about 90%, no less than about 85%, or no less than about 80% for at least about 100 cycles, at least about 200 cycles, at least about 300 cycles, at least about 400 cycles, at least about 500 cycles, at least about 600 cycles, at least about 700 cycles, at least about 800 cycles, at least about 900 cycles, or at least about 1000 cycles. In still further aspects, the coulombic efficiency can be in a range of about 80% to about 100%, including exemplary values of about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, about 99%, and about 99.99% for at least about 100 cycles, at least about 200 cycles, at least about 300 cycles, at least about 400 cycles, at least about 500 cycles, at least about 600 cycles, at least about 700 cycles, at least about 800 cycles, at least about 900 cycles, or at least about 1000 cycles. In still further aspects, the coulombic efficiency can have any value that falls between any two foregoing values, or it can be present in any range that is formed by any of the foregoing values. For example, the coulombic efficiency can be about 80% to about 100%, or about 80 to about 99%, or about 80% to about 95%, and so on. In still further aspects, such a coulombic efficiency can be demonstrated for at least about 100 cycles, or about 100 cycles or more, for about 200 cycles or more, for about 500 cycles or more, for about 1000 cycles or more, for about 2000 cycles or more, for about 5000 cycles or more, 10000 for about 100 cycles or more, or even 100000 or more.

[0087] In still further aspects, the batteries disclosed herein are configured to operate in a temperature range of about -30 °C up to about 60 °C, including exemplaryvalues of about -25 °C, about -20 °C, about -15 °C, about -10 °C, about -5 °C, about 0 °C, about 25 °C, about 30 °C, about 35 °C, about 40 °C, about 45 °C, about 50 °C, and about 55 °C. In still further aspects, the batteries can operate at a temperature having any value that falls between any two foregoing values, or it can be present in any range that is formed by any of the foregoing values. For example, and without limitations, the battery can operate at a temperature of about -25 °C up to about 60 °C, about -15 °C up to about 60 °C, about -10 °C up to about 60 °C, about -5 °C up to about 60 °C, about -15 °C up to about 50, about -15 °C up to about 40 °C, about 0 °C up to about 60 °C, about 5 °C up to about 60 °C, about 20 °C up to about 60 °C, about 20 °C up to about 50 °C, about 20 °C up to about 40 °C, and so on.

[0088] In still further aspects, the battery exhibits a capacity retention of at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70% or at least about 80% higher than a capacity retention of a reference battery comprising substantially identical cathode material comprising nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide, anode material, and a separator, and comprises an electrolyte comprising about 1 M LiPFe in EC:DMC:DEC (about 1 :1 :1 vol ratio).

[0089] In still further aspects, the battery exhibits a specific discharge capacity of about 50 mA h / g to about 300 mA h / g when discharged at about 0.1 C to about 10C rate. In yet other aspects, the battery exhibits a specific discharge capacity of about 50 mA h / g or more, about 75 mA h / g or more, about 100 mA h / g or more, about 120 mA h / g or more, about 150 mA h / g or more, about 175 mA h / g or more, about 200 mA h / g or more, about 225 mA h / g or more, about 250 mA h / g or more, about 275 mA h / g or more. Yet in other aspects, the battery exhibits a specific discharge capacity of about 300 mA h / g or less, about 275 mA h / g or less, about 250 mA h / g or less, about 225 mA h / g or less, about 200 mA h / g or less, about 175 mA h / g or less, about 150 mA h / g or less, about 125 mA h / g or less, about 100 mA h / g or less, or about 75 mA h / g or less. In still further aspects, the battery exhibits a specific discharge capacity of about 50 mA h / g to about 300 mA h / g, including exemplary values of about 50 mA h / g, about 75mA h / g, about 100 mA h / g, about 125 mA h / g, about 150 mA h / g, about 175 mA h / g , about 200 mA h / g, about 225 mA h / g, about 250 mA h / g, and about 275 mA h / g. In still further aspects, the battery exhibits a specific discharge capacity that can have any value that falls between any two foregoing values, or it can be present in any range that is formed by any of the foregoing values. For example, the battery exhibits a specific discharge capacity of about 50 mA h / g to about 300 mA h / g, about 50 mA h / g to about 200 mA h / g, about 50 mA h / g to about 100 mA h / g, about 75 mA h / g to about 300 mA h / g, about 100 mA h / g to about 300 mA h / g, and so on. In still further aspects, the battery exhibits the disclosed above specific discharge capacity when discharged at about 0.05C to about 20C rate. In such aspects, the discharge rate can be about 0.1 C, about 0.2C, about 0.3C, about 0.4C, about 0.5C, about 1 C, about 2C, about 4C, about 5C, about 6C, about 7C, about 8C, about 9 C, about 10 C, about 11 C, about 12 C, about 13 C, about 14 C, about 15 C, about 16 C, about 17 C, about 18 C, and about 19 C. In still further aspects, the discharge rate can have any value that falls between any two foregoing values, or it can be present in any range that is formed by any of the foregoing values. For example, the discharge rate can be about 0.05C to about 20C rate, about 0.1 C to about 20C rate, about 0.1 C to about 10C, about 0.5C to about 20C rate, rate about 0.2C to about 10C rate, about 0.5C to about 8C rate, about 2C to about 10C rate, about 4C to about 10C rate and so on.

[0090] Also disclosed herein are systems comprising one or more of any of the disclosed herein batteries. For example, the system can comprise at least about 2, at least about 5, at least about 10, at least about 50, at least about 100, at least about 500, or at least about 1000 batteries.

[0091] Also disclosed herein are articles that can comprise the disclosed herein batteries or systems. For example, the article can comprise a vehicle (land, marine, air, or space-adapted vehicles), a hand-held device, a wearable electronic device, stationary electronic devices, electrical tools, toys, energy storage devices, and the like.

[0092] By way of a non-limiting illustration, examples of certain aspects of the present disclosure are given below.EXAMPLES

[0093] The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how the compounds, compositions, articles, devices, and / or methods claimed herein are made and evaluated and are intended to be purely exemplary and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers (e.g., amounts, temperature, etc.), but some errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, temperature is degrees C or is at ambient temperature, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.EXAMPLE 1

[0094] A series of novel non-flammable liquid electrolytes have been developed and applied in lithium-ion battery cells. At first, the development of non-flammable electrolytes was based on the commercially available electrolytes such as 1 .0 M LiPFe in EC / DMC / DEC=1 :1 :1 (v / v / v), EC / DEC=50 / 50 (v / v), and EC / EMC=50 / 50 (v / v). Then, 3-18 molar times of LiPFe amount of non-flammable cosolvents were added into the commercial electrolytes. The EV.O non-flammable electrolytes developed as such comprised [LiPF6: (EC:EMC) (1 :1 vol):TTE] in a 1 :2:3 mol ratio. Figure 1 shows the cycling performance of lithium iron phosphate cathode / graphite anode (LFP / Gr) full cells with the commercial electrolyte and the EV.O non-flammable electrolyte at a current rate of C / 3. Surprisingly, the non-flammable cosolvents are not only working as flame retardants but also increasing the initial capacities of the Li-ion cells of 48.8 mAh / g with commercial electrolyte to 138.0 mAh / g with EV.O. The initial experiments have shown capacity retention of EV.O cells over 72% at 300 cycles, or 64.2% at 500 cycles.

[0095] Still further, the NMC cathode with a higher working voltage has been used to evaluate the non-flammable electrolytes, which is more critical, demanding the electrochemical stability of the electrolyte. As shown in Figure 2, the nickelmanganese-cobalt oxide cathode / graphite anode (NMC / Gr) full cells showed similar cycling performance trends with the LFP / Gr full cells. The NMC / Gr, full cells with theEV.O non-flammable electrolyte, achieve much higher capacities and more stable cycling than those with the commercial electrolyte, which deliver an initial capacity of 145.4 mAh / g and the capacity retention of 90.7% after 150 cycles or 74.7% capacity retention at 400 cycles at a C / 5 rate. It has been proven that the developed nonflammable electrolytes also have much better electrochemical stability that is compatible with high-voltage cathode materials such as NMC.

[0096] Hereafter, the non-flammable electrolytes were developed by changing the organic carbonate solvents ratio and lithium salt concentration to obtain the next generation EV.1 electrolyte. The EV.1 electrolyte comprised [LiPF6: (FEC:EMC) (1 :4 wt%): TTE] in a 1 :2:3 mol ratio. The fast-charging properties were also evaluated for EV.1 non-flammable electrolytes. Figures 3A-3B show the cycling performance of NMC / Gr full cells with the EV.1 non-flammable electrolyte at current rates of C / 5 and 1 C. Under C / 5 charge / discharge, the EV.1 cell achieves a high initial capacity of 169.5 mAh / g and high-capacity retention of over 93% after 100 cycles or 81 .2% capacity retention after 300 cycles (Figure 3A). It is noted that, even with a high rate of 1 C (1 hr charge / discharge), the EV.1 cell is still able to deliver an initial capacity of over 150 mAh / g and capacity retention of 79.1 % after 400 cycles or 77.8% capacity retention after 500 cycles (Figure 3B), which confirms the EV.1 non-flammable electrolyte is also a good option for fast charging and high output power applications.

[0097] Furthermore, the EV.2 non-flammable electrolyte formulations were obtained by further changing the LPF concentration, additive combinations, and cosolvent types. The EV.2 electrolyte comprised [Li PF6: (FEC:EMC) (1 :4 wt%): TTE] in a 1 :3:3 mol ratio. Figures 4A-4B show the cycling performance of NMC / Gr full cells with the EV.2 non-flammable electrolyte at current rates of C / 5 and 1 C. The initial capacity of NMC / Gr full cells was improved to 179.8 mAh / g by the EV.2 electrolyte with capacity retention of 95.5% after 70 cycles or 78.5% capacity retention after 270 cycles at a C / 5 rate (Figure 4A). While under 1 C charge / discharge, the EV.2 nonflammable electrolyte enables a high initial capacity of 162.2 mAh / g and excellent capacity retention of 90.7% after 350 cycles or 69.8% capacity retention after 1 ,000 cycles, as shown in Figure 4B. Even if considering 80% as the acceptable capacityretention, the 1 C charge / discharge cycling life of NMC / Gr full cells with EV.2 nonflammable electrolyte still can reach about 800 cycles, which is competitive with most of the commercially available LIB electrolytes. Therefore, the developed EV.2 nonflammable electrolytes have been confirmed as flame retardant, high-voltage stable, fast-charging compatible, and electrochemical well-performed. It is competitive with any commercially available electrolytes but also with much better safety properties. It is also capable of being applied in various lithium-ion battery application scenarios, especially safety-concerned situations such as portable electronic devices and electrical vehicles.EXEMPLARY ASPECTS

[0098] In view of the described electrode materials, batteries, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the inventions. The particularly recited aspects should not, however, be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein or that the "particular" aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language and formulas literally used therein.

[0099] Example 1 . An electrolyte comprising: an amount of a salt; a first solvent; and a second solvent, wherein the second solvent is a flame-resistant solvent and is present in an amount that is about 3 to about 20 mol times the amount of the salt; and wherein the electrolyte is substantially flame-resistant.

[0100] Example 2. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 1 , wherein the first solvent comprises dioxane, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, polyoxylene, fluoroethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, N-methyl acetamide, acetonitrile, symmetric sulfone, sulfolane, polyethylene glycol, dimethoxyethane, ethyl propionate, n-propyl propionate, 1 ,3-dioxolane, glymes, siloxane, ethylene oxide grafted sulfolane, vinylene carbonate, 1 ,3,2-dioxathiolane-2,2-dioxide, prop-1 -ene1 ,3, sultone, methylene methane disulfonate, tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite, or a combination thereof.

[0101] Example 3. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 2, wherein at least one of the first solvents comprises ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, or a combination thereof.

[0102] Example 4. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -3, wherein the salt is soluble in the first solvent up to about 15 M.

[0103] Example 5. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -4, wherein the salt is soluble in the first solvent up to about 12 M.

[0104] Example 6. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -5, wherein the second solvent comprises 1 ,1 ,2,2-tetrafluoro-3- (1 ,1 ,2,2,-tetrafluoroethoxy)propane, bi (2,2,2-trifluorethyle)ether, 1 H,6H- perfluorohexane, 1 H-perfluorohexane, perfluorohexane, 1 ,1 ,1 ,2, 2, 3, 3,4,4, 5,5, 6,6- Tridecafluoro-8-iodooctane, 1 H,1 H,7H-Perfluoro-1 -heptanol, 2H,3H-Perfluoropentane, any modifications thereof, or any combination thereof.

[0105] Example 7. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -6, wherein the salt comprises lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (LiBETI), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), LiPFe, LiAsFe, LiBF4, LiCFsSOa, LiCIO4, lithium difluoro oxalato borate (LiDFOB), lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(trifluoromethyl)imidazolide (LiTDI), or any combination thereof.

[0106] Example 8. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -7, wherein a mol amount of the second solvent is at least about 1 / 3 of a mol amount of the first solvent.

[0107] Example 9. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -8, wherein a mol amount of the second solvent is greater than or equal to a mol amount of the first solvent.

[0108] Example 10. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -9, wherein the first solvent comprises two or more solvents.

[0109] Example 11 . The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 10, wherein the two or more solvents are present in about 1 :5 to about 5:1 volume ratio.

[0110] Example 12. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 10 or 1 1 , wherein the two or more solvents are present in about 1 :5 to about 5:1 weight ratio.

[0111] Example 13. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -12, wherein the first solvent comprises at least one component that is a solid prior to addition to the first solvent.

[0112] Example 14. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 13, wherein the at least one component is substantially soluble in the first solvent.

[0113] Example 15. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 13, wherein the at least one component is at least partially soluble in the first solvent.

[0114] Example 16. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 13, wherein the at least one component is at least partially soluble in the second solvent.

[0115] Example 17. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 13, wherein the at least one component is substantially soluble in the second solvent.

[0116] Example 18. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 13-17, wherein the at least one component is a salt, a filler, diluent, cosolvent, a conductive additive, or any combination thereof.

[0117] Example 19. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 13-18, wherein the at least one component is present in an amount of less than about 20 wt.% based on a total weight of the electrolyte.

[0118] Example 20. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -19, wherein the first solvent comprises three or more solvents.

[0119] Example 21 . The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 20, wherein at least one of the three or more solvents is present in an amount of less than about 20 wt.% based on a total weight of the electrolyte.

[0120] Example 22. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 21 , wherein the two of the three or more solvents are present in about 1 :5 to about 5:1 volume ratio or 1 :5 to 5:1 weight ratio.

[0121] Example 23. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 21 , wherein three of the three or more solvents are present in about 1 :1 :1 ratio.

[0122] Example 24. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -23, wherein the amount of salt is about 0.1 M to about 5 M.

[0123] Example 25. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -24, wherein the salt comprises two or more salts.

[0124] Example 26. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -25, wherein a mol ratio of the salt to the first solvent is about 1 :1 to about 1 :5.

[0125] Example 27. The electrolyte of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 1 -26, wherein when the electrolyte is used in an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell exhibits a capacity retention of at least about 70% for at least about 300 cycles at a charge / discharge rate of about C / 5 to about 1 C.

[0126] Example 28. A battery comprising: a cathode electrode; an anode electrode; and the electrolyte of any one of Examples 1 -18, wherein the battery exhibits acapacity retention of at least about 70% for at least about 300 cycles at a charge / discharge rate of about C / 5 to about 1C.

[0127] Example 29. The battery of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 28, further comprising a separator.

[0128] Example 30. The battery of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 28 or 29, wherein the anode comprises carbon, silicon, Li, Li alloys, Li intermetallics, Li compounds, TiNb2O?, Li4TisOi2, or any combination thereof.

[0129] Example 31 . The battery of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 28-30, wherein the cathode is a metal cathode or a composite cathode.

[0130] Example 32. The battery of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Example 31 , wherein the cathode comprises layered oxide cathodes, vanadium-based cathode, sulfur-based cathode, manganese-based cathode, rocksalt cathode, disordered rocksalt cathode, lithium-rich cathode, NMC (nickel-manganese- cobalt oxide) cathode, NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide) cathode, NFM (nickel-iron- manganese oxide) cathode, LCO (lithium-cobalt oxide) cathode, LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cathode, fluoride-based cathode, sulfur selenium cathode, sulfur cathode, selenium cathode, tellurium cathode, spinels cathode, olivines cathode, or any combination thereof.

[0131] Example 33. The battery of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 28-32, wherein the battery exhibits a Coulombic efficiency greater than about 95% over at least about 500 cycles.

[0132] Example 34. The battery of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 28-33, wherein the battery is capable of operating in a temperature range of about -30 °C to about 60 °C.

[0133] Example 35. The battery of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 28-34, wherein the battery exhibits a capacity retention of at least about 10% higher than a capacity retention of a reference battery comprisingsubstantially identical cathode material comprising nickel-manganese -cobalt oxide, anode material, and a separator, and comprises an electrolyte comprising about 1 M LiPFe in EC:DMC:DEC (about 1 :1 :1 vol ratio).

[0134] Example 36. The battery of any one of the examples presented herein, particularly Examples 28-35, wherein the battery exhibits a capacity retention of at least about 70% for at least about 500 cycles at a charge / discharge rate of about C / 5 to about 1 C.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:1 . An electrolyte comprising: an amount of a salt; a first solvent; and a second solvent, wherein the second solvent is a flame-resistant solvent and is present in an amount that is about 3 to about 20 mol times the amount of the salt; and wherein the electrolyte is substantially flame-resistant.

2. The electrolyte of claim 1 , wherein the first solvent comprises dioxane, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, polyoxylene, fluoroethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, N-methyl acetamide, acetonitrile, symmetric sulfone, sulfolane, polyethylene glycol, dimethoxyethane, ethyl propionate, n-propyl propionate, 1 ,3-dioxolane, glymes, siloxane, ethylene oxide grafted sulfolane, vinylene carbonate, 1 ,3,2-dioxathiolane-2,2-dioxide, prop-1 -ene1 ,3, sultone, methylene methane disulfonate, tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite, or a combination thereof.

3. The electrolyte of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first solvents comprises ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, or a combination thereof.

4. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein the salt is soluble in the first solvent up to about 15 M.

5. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -4, wherein the salt is soluble in the first solvent up to about 12 M.

6. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -5, wherein the second solvent comprises 1 ,1 ,2,2-tetrafluoro-3-(1 ,1 ,2,2,-tetrafluoroethoxy)propane, bi(2,2,2-trifluorethyle)ether,1 H,6H-perfluorohexane, 1 H-perfluorohexane, perfluorohexane, 1 ,1 ,1 ,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6-Tridecafluoro-8-iodooctane, 1 H,1 H,7H-Perfluoro-1 -heptanol, 2H,3H-Perfluoropentane, any modifications thereof, or any combination thereof.

7. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -6, wherein the salt comprises lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonyl)imide (LiBETI), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), LiPFe, LiAsFe, LiBF4, LiCFsSOs, LiCIC , lithium difluoro oxalato borate (LiDFOB), lithium 4,5-dicyano-2-(trifluoromethyl)imidazolide (LiTDI), or any combination thereof.

8. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -7, wherein a mol amount of the second solvent is at least about 1 / 3 of a mol amount of the first solvent.

9. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -8, wherein a mol amount of the second solvent is greater than or equal to a mol amount of the first solvent.

10. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -9, wherein the first solvent comprises two or more solvents.11 . The electrolyte of claim 10, wherein the two or more solvents are present in about 1 :5 to about 5:1 volume ratio.

12. The electrolyte of any one of claims 10-11 , wherein the two or more solvents are present in about 1 :5 to about 5:1 weight ratio.

13. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -12, wherein the first solvent comprises at least one component that is a solid prior to addition to the first solvent.

14. The electrolyte of claim 13, wherein the at least one component is substantially soluble in the first solvent.

15. The electrolyte of claim 13, wherein the at least one component is at least partially soluble in the first solvent.

16. The electrolyte of claim 13, wherein the at least one component is at least partially soluble in the second solvent.

17. The electrolyte of claim 13, wherein the at least one component is substantially soluble in the second solvent.

18. The electrolyte of any one of claims 13-17, wherein the at least one component is a salt, a filler, diluent, cosolvent, a conductive additive, or any combination thereof.

19. The electrolyte of any one of claims 13-18, wherein the at least one component is present in an amount of less than about 20 wt.% based on a total weight of the electrolyte.

20. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -19, wherein the first solvent comprises three or more solvents.21 . The electrolyte of claim 20, wherein at least one of the three or more solvents is present in an amount of less than about 20 wt.% based on a total weight of the electrolyte.

22. The electrolyte of claim 21 , wherein the two of the three or more solvents are present in a about 1 :5 to about 5:1 volume ratio or about 1 :5 to about 5:1 weight ratio.

23. The electrolyte of claim 21 , wherein three of the three or more solvents are present in about 1 :1 :1 ratio.

24. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -23, wherein the amount of salt is about 0.1 M to about 5 M.

25. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -24, wherein the salt comprises two or more salts.

26. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -25, wherein a mol ratio of the salt to the first solvent is about 1 :1 to about 1 :5.

27. The electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -26, wherein when the electrolyte is used in an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell exhibits a capacity retention of at least about 70% for at least about 300 cycles at a charge / discharge rate of about C / 5 to about 1 C.

28. A battery comprising: a cathode electrode; an anode electrode; andthe electrolyte of any one of claims 1 -18, wherein the battery exhibits a capacity retention of at least about 70% for at least about 300 cycles at a charge / discharge rate of about C / 5 to about 1 C.

29. The battery of claim 28, further comprising a separator.

30. The battery of claim 28 or 29, wherein the anode comprises carbon, silicon, Li, Li alloys, Li intermetallics, Li compounds, TiNb2O?, LiTTisO-^, or any combination thereof.31 . The battery of any one of claims 28-30, wherein the cathode is a metal cathode or a composite cathode.

32. The battery of claim 31 , wherein the cathode comprises layered oxide cathodes, vanadium-based cathode, sulfur-based cathode, manganese-based cathode, rocksalt cathode, disordered rocksalt cathode, lithium-rich cathode, NMC (nickel-manganese- cobalt oxide) cathode, NCA (nickel-cobalt-aluminum oxide) cathode, NFM (nickel-iron- manganese oxide) cathode, LCO (lithium-cobalt oxide) cathode, LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cathode, fluoride-based cathode, sulfur selenium cathode, sulfur cathode, selenium cathode, tellurium cathode, spinels cathode, olivines cathode, or any combination thereof.

33. The battery of any one of claims 28-32, wherein the battery exhibits a Coulombic efficiency greater than about 95% over at least about 500 cycles.

34. The battery of any one of claims 28-33, wherein the battery is capable of operating in a temperature range about -30 °C to about 60 °C.

35. The battery of any one of claims 28-34, wherein the battery exhibits a capacity retention of at least 10% higher than a capacity retention of a reference battery comprising substantially identical cathode material comprising nickel-manganese - cobalt oxide, anode material, and a separator, and comprises an electrolyte comprising about 1 M LiPF6 in EC:DMC:DEC (about 1 :1 :1 vol ratio).

36. The battery of any one of claims 28-35, wherein the battery exhibits a capacity retention of at least about 70% for at least about 500 cycles at a charge / discharge rate of about C / 5 to about 1 C.

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