Electrolyte comprising nitrate salt and electrochemical devices comprising same

Abstract

Disclosed herein are electrolytes suitable for electrochemical devices such as lithium metal batteries. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a first electrolyte salt that is not a nitrate salt, an inorganic nitrate salt, a fluorinated ether, a fluorine-free ether, and a nitrate salt carrier solvent different from the fluorinated ether and the fluorine-free ether, wherein the first electrolyte salt and the inorganic nitrate salt are fully dissolved therein without precipitation. In some embodiments, the inorganic nitrate salt is present in an amount of no greater than 5.0 wt%. In some embodiments, the electrolyte further comprises an ionic liquid-based nitrate. In some embodiments, the electrochemical device comprising the electrolyte exhibits an improved cycling performance. Methods of preparing electrolytes and electrochemical devices are also disclosed.

Description

PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)Atty Docket #: F135PCTELECTROLYTE COMPRISING NITRATE SALT AND ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICESCOMPRISING SAMECROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims priority of US Serial No. 63 / 684,055, filed August 16, 2024, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference into this application.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to electrolyte compositions suitable for electrochemical devices such as lithium metal batteries.BACKGROUND

[0003] Lithium metal anode is widely studied for its high energy density. Because of the high reactivity of lithium metal, the design of electrolyte becomes critically important for achieving a desirable stability and cycle life. Solubility of lithium salt in solvent is important too. Nitrate salt such as lithium nitrate (Li NO? ) exhibits a poor solubility in an organic ether solvent such as fluorinated ethers and 1,2-di ethoxy ethane (DEE). The solubility of Li NO? is even worse in a high concentration electrolyte comprising these solvents. To ensure solubility of nitrate salt, an ether solvent with a higher polarity such as 1,2-dimethoxy ethane (DME) may be used. However, DME is prone to generate gas during charge and exhibits a poor safety at an elevated temperature, which significantly restricts the use of nitrate salt in electrolyte. Thus, there remains a need for new electrolytes.SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, electrolyte compositions comprise a first electrolyte salt, an inorganic nitrate salt different from the first electrolyte salt and a solvent comprising a fluorinated ether, a fluorine- free ether, and a nitrate salt carrier solvent, wherein the first electrolyte salt and the inorganic nitrate salt are fully dissolved therein without precipitation. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a polymer.

[0005] In some embodiments, the nitrate salt carrier solvent is different from the fluorine-free ether and the fluorinated ether.

[0006] In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether has a Formula (I): Rla-0-R2a(I), wherein: Rlais Ci-io alkyl; R2ais -(CH2)„-0-(Ci-io alkyl) or Ci-io alkyl; or Rlaand R2a, together with the oxygen atom therebetween form a 4-7 membered heterocyclyl, wherein n is an integer in a range from 1 to 5.

[0007] In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether may not include any halogen elements. In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether may include one or more non-fluorine halogen elements such as chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and iodine (I).

[0008] In some embodiments, the nitrate salt carrier solvent is an ether with a formula (II):PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)wherein R3ais selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alkyl, -[(C1-4 alkylene)-O-]x-(Ci-4 alkyl), R4a, R5aand R6aare independently selected from the group consisting of H, Ci-4 alkyl, -O-(Ci-4 alkyl), -[(C1-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(Ci-4 alkyl), and -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(Ci-4 alkyl), and x and y are independently an integer in a range from 1 to 10.

[0009] In some embodiments, R3ais selected from the group consisting of C2-4 alkyl, -[(Ci-4 alkylene)- O-]x-(C2-4 alkyl), R4aand R6aare independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-4 alkyl, - O-(C2-4 alkyl), -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(C2-4 alkyl), and -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(C2-4 alkyl), R5ais selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alkyl, -O-(C2-4 alkyl), -[(C1-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(C2-4 alkyl), and -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(C2-4 alkyl), x and y are independently an integer in a range from 1 to 10.

[0010] When the terminal group of the nitrate salt carrier solvent contains a long alkyl such as C5-10 alkyl, it may deteriorate the solubility of nitrate salt and / or stability of the electrolyte solution.[00111 In some embodiments, the fluorinated ether has a formula (III):(III), wherein R3bis selected from the group consisting of Ci-io alkyl, Ci-io fluoroalkyl, -[(C1-4 alkylene)- O-]x-(Ci -10 alkyl), and -[(C1-4 alkylene)-0-]x-(Ci-io fluoroalkyl),R4b, R’band R6bare independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, C1-10 alkyl, C1-10 fluoroalkyl, -0-(Ci-io alkyl), -0-(Ci-io fluoroalkyl), -[(C1-4 alkylene)-0-]y-(Ci-io alkyl), -[(C1-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(Ci -10 fluoroalkyl), -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]y-(Ci-io alkyl), and -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)- O-]y-(C 1-10 fluoroalkyl), x and y are independently an integer in a range from 1 to 10, and at least one of R3b, R4b, R5band R6bcomprises one or more fluorine (F).

[0012] In some embodiments, the fluorinated ether does not include any other halogen elements. In some embodiments, the fluorinated ether includes one or more non-fluorine halogen elements such as chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and iodine (I).PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)

[0013] In some embodiments, an electrochemical device comprising the electrolyte exhibits an improved cycling performance.

[0014] The term “% by weight” or “percent by weight” refers to the percentage the identified components or components represent with the percent calculated as percent by weight of all components, unless otherwise noted.

[0015] The term “alkyl” refers to a saturated acyclic hydrocarbon radical that may be a straight chain or branched chain, containing the indicated number of carbon atoms. For example, Ci-io indicates that the group may have from 1 to 10 (inclusive) carbon atoms in it. Non-limiting examples include methyl, ethyl, zso-propyl, fert-butyl, / / -hexyl. The term “saturated” as used in this context means only single bonds present between constituent carbon atoms and other available valences occupied by hydrogen and / or other substituents as defined herein.10016] The term “halogen” refers to fluoro (F), chloro (Cl), bromo (Br), or iodo (I).[00171 The term “oxo” refers to a divalent doubly bonded oxygen atom (i.e., “=O”). As used herein, oxo groups are attached to carbon atoms to form carbonyls.

[0018] The term “alkoxy” refers to an -O-alkyl radical (e.g., -OCH3).

[0019] The term “hydroxyalkyl” refers to an alkyl, in which one or more hydrogen atoms is / are replaced with hydroxyl.

[0020] The term “haloalkyl” refers to an alkyl, in which one or more hydrogen atoms is / are replaced with an independently selected halogen.

[0021] The term “fluoroalkyl” refers to an alkyl, in which one or more hydrogen atoms is / are replaced with a fluorine. The term “aryl” refers to a 6-20 membered all carbon ring system wherein at least one ring in the system is aromatic (e.g., 6-carbon monocyclic, 10-carbon bicyclic, or 14-carbon tricyclic aromatic ring system). Examples of aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, and the like.

[0022] The term “carbocyclyl” (alternatively, “cycloalkyl”) as used herein refers to cyclic saturated hydrocarbon groups having, e.g., 3 to 20 ring carbons, preferably 3 to 16 ring carbons, and more preferably 3 to 12 ring carbons or 3-10 ring carbons or 3-6 ring carbons. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include, without limitation, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and cyclooctyl. Cycloalkyl may include multiple fused and / or bridged rings. Non-limiting examples of fused / bridged cycloalkyl includes: bicyclo] 1.1.0]butane, bicyclo[2.1.0]pentane, bicyclo] l.l. l]pentane, bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane, bicyclo[2.1.1]hexane, bicyclo[3.2.0]heptane, bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane, bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, bicyclo[4.2.0]octane, bicyclo[3.2.1]octane, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and the like. Cycloalkyl also includes spirocyclic ringsPCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)(e.g., spirocyclic bicycle wherein two rings are connected through just one atom). Non-limiting examples of spirocyclic cycloalkyls include spiro[2.2]pentane, spiro[2.5]octane, spiro[3.5]nonane, spiro[3.5]nonane, spiro[3.5]nonane, spiro[4.4]nonane, spiro[2.6]nonane, spiro[4.5]decane, spiro[3.6]decane, spiro[5.5]undecane, and the like. The term “saturated” as used in this context means only single bonds present between constituent carbon atoms.

[0023] The term “heteroaryl”, as used herein, refers to a ring system having 5 to 20 ring atoms, such as 5, 6, 9, 10, or 14 ring atoms; wherein at least one ring in the system contains one or more heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of N, 0, S, Si, and B, and at least one ring in the system is aromatic (but does not have to be a ring which contains a heteroatom, e.g. tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, e.g., tetrahydroquinolinyl). Heteroaryl groups can include monocyclic, bridged, fused, and spiro ring systems, so long as one ring in the system is aromatic. Examples of heteroaryl include thienyl, pyridinyl, furyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, thiodiazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, thiazolyl benzothienyl, benzoxadiazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzimidazolyl, benzotriazolyl, cinnolinyl, indazolyl, indolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiazolyl, naphthyridinyl, purinyl, thienopyridinyl, pyrido[2,3- ]pyrimidinyl, pyrrolo[2,3- / >]pyridinyl, quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, thieno[2,3-c]pyridinyl, pyrazolo[3,4-Z>]pyridinyl, pyrazolo[3,4-c]pyridinyl, pyrazolo[4,3-c]pyridine, pyrazolo[4,3- A]pyridinyl, tetrazolyl, chromane, 2,3-dihydrobenzo[ / >][l,4]dioxine, benzo[t ][l,3]dioxole, 2,3- dihydrobenzofuran, tetrahydroquinoline, 2,3-dihydrobenzo[Z>][l,4]oxathiine, isoindoline, and others. In some embodiments, the heteroaryl is selected from thienyl, pyridinyl, furyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, isoindolinyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, and pyrimidinyl. For purposes of clarification, heteroaryl also includes aromatic lactams, aromatic cyclic ureas, or vinylogous analogs thereof, in which each ring nitrogen adjacent to a carbonyl is tertiary (i.e., all three valences are occupied by non-hydrogen substituents), such as one or more of pyridine, wherein each ring nitrogen adjacent to a carbonyl is tertiary (i.e., the oxo group (i.e., “=O”) herein is a constituent part of the heteroaryl ring).100241 The term “heterocyclyl” refers to a saturated or partially unsaturated ring systems with 3-16 ring atoms (e.g., 3-8 membered monocyclic, 5-12 membered bicyclic, or 10-14 membered tricyclic ring system) having at least one heteroatom selected from O, N, S, Si, and B, wherein one or more ring atoms may be substituted by 1-3 oxo (forming, e.g., a lactam) and one or more N or S atoms may be substituted by 1-2 oxido (forming, e.g., an N-oxide, an S-oxide, or an S,S-dioxide), valence permitting. Heterocyclyl groups include monocyclic, bridged, fused, and spiro ring systems. Examples of heterocyclyl groups include piperazinyl, pyrrolidinyl, dioxanyl, morpholinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyridyl, dihydropyrazinyl, dihydropyridyl, dihydropyrrolyl,PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025) dihydrofuranyl, dihydrothiophenyl, and the like. Heterocyclyl may include multiple fused and bridged rings. Non-limiting examples of fused / bridged heteorocyclyl includes: 2-azabicyclo[1.1.0]butane, 2- azabicyclo[2. 1 .0]pentane, 2-azabicyclo[l . 1 . l]pentane, 3-azabicyclo[3. 1 .0]hexane, 5- azabicyclo[2. 1 . 1 Jhexane, 3-azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane, octahydrocyclopenta[c]pyrrole, 3- azabicyclo[4. 1 ,0]heptane, 7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, 6-azabicyclo[3.1.1 ]heptane, azabicyclo[4.2.0]octane, 2-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 3-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, 2- oxabicyclof l . 1 ,0]butane, 2-oxabicyclo[2. 1 ,0]pentane, 2-oxabicyclo[ 1. 1. l]pentane, oxabicyclo[3. 1 ,0]hexane, 5-oxabicyclo[2. 1 .1 ]hexane, 3-oxabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane, oxabicyclo[4. 1 ,0]heptane, 7-oxabi cy clo [2.2. 1 ] heptane, 6-oxabicyclo[3.1.1 ]heptane, oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octane, 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane, 3-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, and the like.Heterocyclyl also includes spirocyclic rings (e.g., spirocyclic bicycle wherein two rings are connected through just one atom). Non-limiting examples of spirocyclic heterocyclyls include 2- azaspiro[2.2]pentane, 4-azaspiro[2.5]octane, l-azaspiro[3.5]nonane, 2-azaspiro[3.5]nonane, 7- azaspiro[3.5]nonane, 2-azaspiro[4.4]nonane, 6-azaspiro[2.6]nonane, l,7-diazaspiro[4.5]decane, 7- azaspiro[4.5]decane 2,5-diazaspiro[3.6]decane, 3-azaspiro[5.5]undecane, 2-oxaspiro[2.2]pentane, 4- oxaspiro[2.5] octane, l-oxaspiro[3.5]nonane, 2-oxaspiro[3.5]nonane, 7-oxaspiro[3.5]nonane, 2- oxaspiro[4.4]nonane, 6-oxaspiro[2.6]nonane, l,7-dioxaspiro[4.5]decane, 2,5-dioxaspiro[3.6]decane, l-oxaspiro[5.5]undecane, 3-oxaspiro[5.5]undecane, 3-oxa-9-azaspiro[5.5]undecane and the like.

[0025] The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, which are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated is typically represented by a single numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the disclosure shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure.10027] FIG. 1 shows the cycling performance of Li / Cu cell comprising Li metal as anode, microporous membrane as separator, Cu foil as cathode, and electrolytes according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 2 shows the cycling performance of a pouch cell comprising Example 2-1 as electrolyte in view of specific discharge capacity according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)

[0029] FIG. 3 shows the cycling performance of a pouch cell comprising Example 2-1 as electrolyte in view of discharge capacity retention according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows the cycling performance of a pouch cell comprising Example 2-1 as electrolyte in view of Coulombic efficiency (CE) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 5 shows the cycling performance of a pouch cell comprising Example 4-1 as electrolyte in view of discharge capacity retention according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure generally relates to electrolyte compositions suitable for various electrochemical devices. In some embodiments, the electrochemical devices are lithium metal batteries.

[0033] In one aspect, the electrolyte comprises a first electrolyte salt that is not a nitrate salt, an inorganic nitrate salt, and a solvent comprising a fluorinated ether, a fluorine-free ether and a nitrate salt carrier solvent, wherein the nitrate salt carrier solvent is different from the fluorinated ether and the fluorine-free ether. In some embodiments, the solvent is nonaqueous. In some embodiments, the nitrate salt carrier solvent dissolves the inorganic nitrate salt.Fluorine-free ether

[0034] In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether has Formula (I):Rla-0-R2a(I), wherein Rlais Ci-io alkyl and R2ais Ci-io alkyl or -(CH2)«-0-(CI-IO alkyl); orRlaand R2a, together with the oxygen atom therebetween form a 4-7 membered heterocyclyl, wherein n is an integer in a range from 1 to 5.

[0035] In some embodiments, Rlais C2-10 alkyl and R2ais C2-10 alkyl or -(CH2)«-0-(CI-IO alkyl), wherein n is an integer in a range from 1 to 5.

[0036] In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether includes no more than two oxygen elements. In some embodiments, Rlais C1-6 alkyl. In some embodiments, Rlais methyl, ethyl, or propyl.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether does not comprise 1,2-dimethoxy ethane (DME).

[0038] In some embodiments, R2ais C1-6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R2ais methyl, ethyl, or propyl.

[0039] In some embodiments, R2ais -(CH2)»-0-(Ci-io alkyl). In some embodiments, R2ais -(CH2)»- O-(Ci-6 alkyl). In some embodiments, R2ais -(CH2)«-O-(Ci-3 alkyl). In some embodiments, R2ais - (CH2)«-O-(CI alkyl), -(CH2)»-O-(C2 alkyl), or -(CH2)«-O-(C3 alkyl). In some embodiments, R2ais - (CH2)2-O-(CI alkyl), -(CH2)2-O-(C2alkyl), or -(CH2)2-O-(C3alkyl).PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)

[0040] In some embodiments, Rlaand R2a, together with the oxygen atom to which they are attached form a 4-7 membered heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, Rlaand R2a, together with the oxygen atom to which they are attached form a 4-7 membered heterocyclyl, wherein the heterocyclyl includes one or two oxygen heteroatoms. In some embodiments, n is 1. In some embodiments, n is 2.[00411 In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether may not include any halogen elements. In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether may include one or more non-fluorine halogen elements such as chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and iodine (I).100421 In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of 1,2-di ethoxy ethane, 1,1 -di ethoxy ethane, 1,1 -dipropoxy ethane, 1,2-dipropoxy ethane,1.2-dibutoxy ethane, dibutyl ether, di- / c’ / 7-butyl ether, tert-butyl ethyl ether, te / 7-butyl methyl ether,1.3 -di oxolane, 1,4-di oxane and mixtures thereof.

[0043] In some embodiments, the solvent is substantially free of 1,2-dimethoxy ethane (DME). As used herein, the term “substantially free of’ an ingredient(s) as provided throughout the disclosure is intended to mean that the composition or device contains less than about 0.1 wt% (weight percent of the total weight of the composition or device), or insignificant or negligible amounts of said ingredient(s) unless specifically indicated otherwise. In some embodiments, the compositions or devices of the present disclosure are substantially free of 1,2-dimethoxy ethane, meaning that the composition or device contains less than about 0.1 wt% 1,2-dimethoxy ethane.

[0044] In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether has a weight percentage in a range from 10 to 80 wt% in the electrolyte.

[0045] The fluorine-free ether is present in the electrolyte in an amount in a range from 5 wt% to about 90 wt%. For example, the fluorine-free ether is present in an amount in a range from about 10 wt% to about 90 wt%, from about 20 wt% to about 80 wt%, from about 25 wt% to about 70 wt%, from about 25 wt% to about 45 wt%, or from about 50 wt% to about 80 wt% based on total weight of the solvent. In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether is present in an amount in a range from about 25 wt% to about 45 wt% or from about 30 wt% to about 40 wt% based on total weight of the solvent.Nitrate salt

[0046] In some embodiments, the inorganic nitrate salt is an alkali metal nitrate salt. In some embodiments, the nitrate salt is lithium nitrate (LiNCh).

[0047] In some embodiments, the nitrate salt is at least one selected from the group consisting of silver nitrate (AgNCh), lithium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, zinc nitrate, magnesium nitrate, aluminum nitrate, and calcium nitrate.PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)

[0048] In some embodiments, the electrolyte further comprises an ionic liquid-based nitrate, which is widely recognized as an organic nitrate. In some embodiments, the ionic liquid with nitrate as anion includes tetraalkylammonium nitrate, tetraalkylphosphonium nitrate, l-alkyl-3-alkylimidazolium nitrate, and cyclic quaternary ammonium nitrate such as N-alkyl-N-alkylpyrrolidinium nitrate, N- alkyl-N-alkylpiperidinium nitrate, and N-alkyl-N-alkylazepanium nitrate. Non-limiting specific ionic liquid nitrate salts include tetraethylammonium nitrate, tetrabutylammonium nitrate, tributylmethylphosphonium nitrate, l-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate, N-propyl-N- methylpyrrolidinium nitrate, N-propyl-N-methylpiperidinium nitrate, and N-propyl-N- methylazepanium nitrate.

[0049] In some embodiments, the inorganic nitrate salt should have a weight percentage of no higher than a certain threshold value in order to ensure the inorganic nitrate salt can be fully dissolved within the electrolyte without precipitation, both during the electrolyte preparation and during storage and operation of battery. In some embodiments, the inorganic nitrate salt has a weight percentage of no greater than 10 wt% in the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the inorganic nitrate salt has a weight percentage of no greater than 5 wt% in the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the inorganic nitrate salt has a weight percentage in a range from about 0.1 wt% to about 10.0 wt% or from about 0.1 wt% to about 5.0 wt% in the electrolyte.

[0050] In some embodiments, the choice of nitrate salt carrier solvent to be discussed later is also critically important in maintaining the homogeneousness of the electrolyte solution without causing precipitation or deterioration of the overall performance.Nitrate salt carrier solvent100511 In some embodiments, the nitrate salt carrier solvent is an ether with a formula (II):(II), wherein R3ais selected from the group consisting of Ci-4 alkyl, -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x-(Ci-4 alkyl), R4a, R5aand R6aare independently selected from the group consisting of H, Ci-4 alkyl, -O-(Ci-4 alkyl), -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(Ci-4 alkyl), -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(Ci-4 alkyl), x and y are independently an integer in a range from 1 to 10, and wherein the nitrite salt carrier solvent contains three or more oxygen atoms.

[0052] In some embodiments, R3ais selected from the group consisting of C2-4 alkyl, -[(C 1-4 alkylene)- O-]x-(C2-4 alkyl), R4aand R6aare independently selected from the group consisting of H, Ci-4 alkyl, -PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)O-(C2-4 alkyl), -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(C2-4 alkyl), and -0-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(C2-4 alkyl), R5ais selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alkyl, -O-(C2-4 alkyl), -[(C1-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(C2-4 alkyl), and -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(C2-4 alkyl), x and y are independently an integer in a range from 1 to 10, and wherein the nitrite salt carrier solvent contains three or more oxygen atoms.

[0053] In some embodiments, the nitrate salt carrier solvent comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dibutyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, triethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol dibutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol diethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dibutyl ether, and mixtures thereof.(0054] In some embodiments, the nitrate salt carrier solvent has a weight percentage in a range from 1 wt% to 40 wt% in the electrolyte.Fluorinated ether

[0055] In some embodiments, the fluorinated ether is an ether with a formula (III):(III), wherein R3bis selected from the group consisting of C1-10 alkyl, C1-10 fluoroalkyl, -[(C1-4 alkylene)- O-]x-(Ci .10 alkyl), and -[(C1-4 alkylene)-0-]x-(Ci-io fluoroalkyl),R4b, R3band R6bare independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, C1-10 alkyl, C1-10 fluoroalkyl, -0-(Ci-io alkyl), -0-(Ci-io fluoroalkyl), -[(C1-4 alkylene)-0-]y-(Ci-io alkyl), -[(C1-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(Ci -10 fluoroalkyl), -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]y-(Ci-io alkyl), and -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)- O-]y-(C 1-10 fluoroalkyl), x and y are independently an integer in a range from 1 to 10, and at least one of R3b, R4b, R5band R6bcomprises one or more fluorine (F).(0056] In some embodiments, R3bis C 1-10 alkyl or C1-10 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R3bis Ci- 6 alkyl such as methyl, ethyl and propyl. In some embodiments, R3bis C1-6 fluoroalkyl including without limitation -CF3, -CH2-CHF2 or -CF2CH3.

[0057] In some embodiments, R3bis -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]x-Ci-io alkyl, -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]x-Ci-io fluoroalkyl, -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x-Ci-6 alkyl or -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x-Ci-6 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R3bis -CH2OC1-6 alkyl, -C2H4OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-6 alkyl, -C2H4OC2H4OC1.6 alkyl, -CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, -C2H4OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, or -PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)C2H4OC2H4OC1-6 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, Ci-4 alkylene can be -CH2-, -CH2CH2-, - CH2CH2CH2-, -CH2CH2CH2CH2-, -CH(CH3)-, -CH(C2H5)-, -CH(CH3)CH2-, -C(CH3)2-, -CH(CH3)CH2CH2-, -CH(CH2C2H5)CH2-, -CH[CH(CH3)2]-, -C(CH3)2CH2-, or -CH(CH3)CH(CH3)-.

[0058] In some embodiments, R4bis H. In some embodiments, R4bis C1-10 alkyl or C1-10 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R4bis Ci-6 alkyl such as methyl, ethyl and propyl. In some embodiments, R4bis C1-6 fluoroalkyl including without limitation -CF3, -CH2CHF2 or -CF2CH3.

[0059] In some embodiments, R4bis -OC1-10 alkyl. In some embodiments, R4bis -OCi-6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R4bis -OCi-3alkyl such as -OCH3, -OC2H5, and -OC2H4CH3. In some embodiments, R4bis -OCi-10 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R4bis -OC1-6 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R4bis -OCi-3fluoroalkyl such as -OCF3, -OCH2CHF2, -OCH2CF3, -OCHFCF3, -CF2CF3, -OCH2CH2CF3, -OCH2CHFCF3, -OCH2CF2CF3, and -OCHFCF2CF3.

[0060] In some embodiments, R4bis -[(C1-4 alkylene)-0-]x-Ci-io alkyl or -[(C1-4 alkylene)-0-]x-Ci-io fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R4bis -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x-Ci-6 alkyl or -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x- C1-6 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R4bis -CH2OC1-6 alkyl, -C2H4OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2CH2OC2H4OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, -C2H4OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, or -CH2CH2OCH2CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl.

[0061] In some embodiments, R4bis -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]x-Ci-io alkyl or -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x- C1-10 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R4bis -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x-Ci-6 alkyl or -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x-Ci-6 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R4bis -CH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2CH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2CH2OCH2CH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, -CH2CH2-O-C1-6 fluoroalkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, or -CH2CH2OCH2CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl.

[0062] In some embodiments, R5bis H. In some embodiments, R5bis C1-10 alkyl or C1-10 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R5bis C1-6 alkyl such as methyl, ethyl and propyl. In some embodiments, R5bis C1-6 fluoroalkyl including without limitation -CF3, -CH2CHF2 or -CF2CH3.

[0063] In some embodiments, R5bis -OC1-10 alkyl. In some embodiments, R5bis -OC1-6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R5bis -OCi-3alkyl such as -OCH3, -OC2H5, and -OCFhCFbCFF. In some embodiments, R5bis -OCi-10 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R5bis -OCi-6 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R5bis -OC1-3 fluoroalkyl such as -OCF3, -OCH2CHF2, -OCH2CF3, -OCHFCF3, -CF2CF3, - OCH2CH2CF3, -OCH2CHFCF3, -OCH2CF2CF3, and -OCHFCF2CF3.

[0064] In some embodiments, R5bis -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]x-Ci-io alkyl or -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]x-Ci-io fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R5bis -[(C1-4 alkylene)-O-]x-Ci-6 alkyl or -[(C1-4 alkylene)-O-]x- C1-6 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R5bis -CH2OC1-C6 alkyl, -C2H4OC1-C6 alkyl, -PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)CH2OCH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2CH2OC2H4OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, -C2H4OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, or -CH2CH2OCH2CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl.

[0065] In some embodiments, R5bis -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]x-Ci-io alkyl or -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x- C1-10 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R5bis -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x-Ci-6 alkyl or -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x-Ci-6 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R5bis -CH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2CH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2CH2OCH2CH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, -CH2CH2-O-C1-6 fluoroalkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, or -CH2CH2OCH2CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl.

[0066] In some embodiments, R6bis H. In some embodiments, R6bis C1-10 alkyl or C1-10 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R6bis C1-6 alkyl such as methyl, ethyl and propyl. In some embodiments, R6bis C1-6 fluoroalkyl including without limitation -CF3, -CH2CHF2 or -CF2CH3.

[0067] In some embodiments, R6bis -OC1-10 alkyl or -OC1-6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R6bis -OCi- 3 alkyl such as -OCH3, -OC2H5, and -OCH2CH2CH3. In some embodiments, R6bis -OC1-10 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R6bis -OC1-6 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R6bis -OC1-3 fluoroalkyl such as -OCF3, -OCH2CHF2, -OCH2CF3, -OCHFCF3, -CF2CF3, -OCH2CH2CF3, -OCH2CHFCF3, - OCH2CF2CF3, and -OCHFCF2CF3.

[0068] In some embodiments, R6bis -[(C1-4 alkylene)-0-]x-Ci-io alkyl or -[(C1-4 alkylene)-0-]x-Ci-io fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R6bis -[(C1-4 alkylene)-O-]x-Ci-6 alkyl or -[(C1-4 alkylene)-O-]x- C1-6 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R6bis -CH2OC1-6 alkyl, -C2H4OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2CH2OC2H4OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, -C2H4OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, or -CH2CH2OCH2CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl.

[0069] In some embodiments, R6bis -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]x-Ci-io alkyl or -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x- C1-10 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R6bis -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x-Ci-6 alkyl or -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x-Ci-6 fluoroalkyl. In some embodiments, R6bis -CH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2CH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2CH2OCH2CH2OC1-6 alkyl, -CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl, -CH2CH2-O-C1-C6 fluoroalkyl, -CH2OCH2OC1-C6 fluoroalkyl, or -CH2CH2OCH2CH2OC1-6 fluoroalkyl.

[0070] For example, the fluorinated ether comprises one or more of bis(2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)methane (BTFM), 1,1,1 ,3 ,3 ,3 -hexafluoro-2-(l , 1 , 1 ,3 ,3 ,3 -hexafluoropropan-2- yloxymethoxy)propane, bis(3,3,3-trifluoropropoxy)methane, l,l,l-trifluoro-3-[(2,2,2- trifluoroethoxy)methoxy]propane, bis(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropoxy)methane, 1, 1,1,2, 2-pentafluoro- 3-((2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methoxy)propane, l,l,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE), lH,lH,5H-octafluoropentyl-l,l,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether (OTE), bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) ether, 1H,1H,2’H-Perfluorodipropyl ether, 2,2,2-Trifluoroethyl 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether, 1,2-PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)(l,l,2,2-Tetrafluoroethoxy)ethane (TFEE), tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)orthoformate (TFEO) and mixtures thereof.

[0071] The solvent can comprise the fluorinated ether in an amount in a range from 5 wt% to about 90 wt%. For example, the solvent comprises the fluorinated ether in an amount in a range from about 10 wt% to about 90 wt%, from about 20 wt% to about 80 wt%, from about 25 wt% to about 75 wt%, or from about 55 wt% to about 75 wt%. In some embodiments, the solvent comprises the fluorinated ether in an amount in a range from about 55 wt% to about 75 wt% or from about 60 wt% to about 70 wt%.

[0072] In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether and the fluorinated ether are present in a weight ratio of 1 :20 to 20:1, 1: 10 to 10: 1, 1 :5 to 10: 1, 1 :3 to 8: 1, or 1 : 1 to 3: 1. In some embodiments, the fluorine-free ether and the fluorinated ether are present in a weight ratio in a range from 1 :3 to 8: 1 or from 1 : 1 to 3 : 1.

[0073] In some embodiments, the solvent has a boiling point of at least 100 °C at 1 atm. In some embodiments, the solvent has a boiling point of at least 110 °C, at least 120 °C, at least 130 °C or at least 140 °C at 1 atm.

[0074] In some embodiments, each component in the electrolyte has a boiling point of at least 100 °C at 1 atm. In some embodiments, each component in the electrolyte has a boiling point of at least 110 °C, at least 120 °C, at least 130 °C or at least 140 °C at 1 atm. In other words, the electrolyte does not include any component with a boiling point lower than 110 °C, 120 °C, 130 °C, or 140 °C at 1 atm to ensure thermal stability and safety.

[0075] In some embodiments, the solvent includes fluorine-free ether, fluorinated ether, and nitrate salt carrier solvent. The solvent can be present in the electrolyte in an amount of at least 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition. For example, the solvent is present in the electrolyte in an amount of at least 15 wt%, at least 20 wt%, at least 30 wt%, at least 40 wt%, at least 50 wt%, at least 60 wt%, at least 70 wt%, at least 80 wt%, at least 85 wt%, or at least about 90 wt%. For another example, the solvent is present in the electrolyte in a range from about 15 wt% to about 95 wt%, from about 25 wt% to 95 wt%, from about 50 wt% to 95 wt%, from about 75 wt% to about 90 wt%, from about 30 wt% to about 60 wt%, or from about 40 wt% to about 55 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition. In some embodiments, the solvent is present in the electrolyte in an amount in a range from 40 wt% to about 55 wt%, or from about 75 wt% to about 90 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition.

[0076] The first electrolyte salt may be, for example, a lithium salt, or other salts such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium salts, and the like.PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)

[0077] In some embodiments, the first electrolyte salt comprises a lithium salt that is not a nitrate salt. In some embodiments, the first electrolyte salt includes one or more of lithium perchlorate (LiCIC ), lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPFe), lithium borofluoride (LiBF4), lithium hexafluoroarsenide (LiAsFe), lithium trifluorometasulfonate (LiCFsSCh), lithium bisperfluoro-ethysulfonylimide (LiBETI), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiN(CF3SO2)2, LiTFSI), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiBF2C2C>4, LiDFOB), lithium fluoroalkyl-phosphates (Li[PFx(CyF2y+i-zHz)6-x]) (l<x<5, l<y<8, and 0<z<2y-l), lithium fluorophosphate (Li2POsF), lithium difluorophosphate (LiDFP), lithium difluoro(bisoxalato)phosphate (LiC4POsF2), and lithium tetrafluoro oxalato phosphate (LiC2PO4F4), lithium tris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide (LiC(CF3SO2)3), LiF, LiCl, LiBr, Lil, Li2SC>4, LisPCh, Li2CO3, lithium acetate, lithium trifluoromethyl acetate, and lithium oxalate.10078] In some embodiments, the first electrolyte salt comprises LiFSI, LiTFSI or both.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first electrolyte salt can be present in the electrolyte in an amount of about 5 wt% to about 85 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition. For example, the first electrolyte salt can be present in the electrolyte in an amount of about 5 wt% to about 75 wt%, or about 15 wt% to about 75 wt%, or about 25 wt% to about 75 wt%, or about 30 wt% to about 70 wt%, or about 40 wt% to about 60 wt%, or about 15 wt% to about 50 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition. In some embodiments, the electrolyte salt is present in the electrolyte in an amount of about 10 wt% to about 40 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition. In some embodiments, the first electrolyte salt can be present in the electrolyte in an amount of about 30 wt% to about 60 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition.Preparation of electrolyte

[0080] In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises at least 30 wt% of the first electrolyte salt based on total weight of the electrolyte. With such high first electrolyte salt concentration, the solubility of inorganic nitrate salt such as LiNC in an ether such as fluorine free ether and fluorinated ether is significantly worse. It is not practical to directly dissolve an inorganic nitrate salt in a composition with high electrolyte salt concentration. In some embodiments, the electrolyte of the present disclosure comprises a solvent system which includes a fluorine free ether, fluorinated ether and nitrate salt carrier solvent, wherein the solvent system can dissolve both the first electrolyte salt and the inorganic nitrate salt during storage and operation of a battery containing the same.

[0081] Conventionally, an electrolyte solution is prepared by mixing all components together in one step. As described above, it is not practical to directly dissolve an inorganic nitrate salt in an etherPCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025) solvent with high electrolyte salt concentration. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing the same, the method comprising:1) Preparing a first solution by mixing a first electrolyte salt other than nitrate salt, a fluorine- free ether and a fluorinated ether into the first solution wherein the first electrolyte salt is fully dissolved therein;2) Preparing a second solution by mixing an inorganic nitrate salt and a nitrate salt carrier solvent, wherein the nitrate salt carrier solvent is different from the fluorine-free ether and fluorinated ether and the inorganic nitrate salt is fully dissolved therein; and3) Mixing the first solution and the second solution, thereby obtaining the electrolyte composition, wherein the first electrolyte salt is present in a weight percentage of at least 30 wt% in the electrolyte solution and the first electrolyte salt and the inorganic nitrate salt are fully dissolved therein without precipitation.

[0082] In some embodiments, the nitrate salt carrier solvent is miscible with the fluorine-free ether and the fluorinated ether.

[0083] In some embodiments, the inorganic nitrate salt is present in an amount of no greater than 5 wt% in the electrolyte.

[0084] Ionic liquid-based nitrates usually exhibit a better solubility in ether solvent than inorganic nitrate salts. In some embodiments, when the electrolyte comprises both inorganic nitrate salt and ionic liquid-based nitrate, an electrolyte solution is prepared by mixing all components including ionic liquid-based nitrate in one step. In some embodiments, the ionic liquid-based nitrate is present in an amount of no greater than 5 wt% because the ionic liquid nitrate may undergo an ion exchange with the first electrolyte salt such as lithium salt to form lithium nitrate and when an excessive amount of lithium nitrate is formed, it would deteriorate the stability of electrolyte solution such as precipitation of nitrate salt, for example lithium nitrate.Polymer Electrolyte

[0085] In some embodiments, the electrolyte further comprises a polymer i.e., the electrolyte is a polymer electrolyte. In some embodiments, the polymer is in situ formed by polymerization of a polymer precursor, wherein the polymer precursor is compatible with other components in the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the polymer precursor comprises one or more monomers and a thermal initiator.

[0086] In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a first electrolyte salt that is not a nitrate salt, an inorganic nitrate salt, a solvent, and a polymer, wherein the solvent comprises a fluorinated ether, a fluorine-free ether, and a nitrate salt carrier solvent. In some embodiments, the incorporation ofPCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025) polymer into the electrolyte reduces or prevents the leakage of liquid components therein. In some embodiments, the incorporation of polymer into the electrolyte improves the thermal stability and safety of the electrolyte. In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a polymer with a weight percentage in a range from 0.1 wt% to 40 wt% in the electrolyte.

[0087] The polymer can be present in the electrolyte composition in an amount of about 0.1 wt% to about 15 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition. For example, the polymer is present in an amount of about 0.1 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 0.5 wt% to about 2.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition.

[0088] In some cases, the electrolyte may include a polymer that is crosslinked and has a heterogeneous polymer network obtained from a crosslinking reaction of a mixture comprising one or more crosslinkers. In some embodiments, at least one crosslinker has three or more polymerizable or crosslinkable terminals which are independently selected from the group consisting of C2-20 alkenyl, C2-20 alkynyl, epoxy, amino, hydroxyl, carboxylic acid, and substituted form thereof. In certain embodiments, the crosslinker with three or more polymerizable or crosslinkable terminals is a triacrylate, tetra-acrylate, modified tri-acrylate, modified tetra-acrylate, silane, siloxane or triazinane- trione (triazine-trione). In certain embodiments, modified tri-acrylates and tetra-acrylates comprise one or more substituted groups such as -CN, -SO2H, -CO2H, -CO2-, F, Cl, Br, or I.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the crosslinker has three or four polymerizable or crosslinkable arms, wherein each arm has a polymerizable or crosslinkable terminal covalently connected to a center. In some embodiments, the center can be an element of C, Si, N, P, B, or a cyclic ring. In some embodiments, each polymerizable or crosslinkable terminal is covalently connected to the center directly or via a spacer chain or group. In some embodiments, each arm is the same or different from each other.

[0090] In certain embodiments, the crosslinker with three or more terminals has a formula selected from the group consisting ofwherein R4 and Rs are independently selected from the group consisting of:PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)wherein Ri, R2, R3, Re are each independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, phenyl, methyl phenyl, benzyl, acryl, epoxy ethyl, isocyanate, cyclic carbonate, lactone, lactam, and vinyl, wherein n is an integer between 0 and 50,000 and * indicates a point of attachment.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the crosslinker has a formula of:

[0092] In certain embodiments, the crosslinker with three or more terminals is a silane or siloxane.

[0093] In some embodiments, one or more of the crosslinkers or the spacer chains or groups contain a structure including, but not limited to, -O-, -NRC-, -S-, -C(=O)-, -C(=O)O-, -C(=O)NRC-, -C(=O)S-, -OC(=O)O-, -NRCC(=O)O-, -NRCC(=O)NRC-, -S(=O)-, -S(=O)2-, -OS(=O)2-, -OS(=O)2O-, - NRCS(=O)2-, -NRCS(=O)2NRC-, -OS(=O)2NRC-, C 1-6 alkylenyl, C2-6 alkenylenyl, C2-6 alkynylenyl, Ce-PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)14 arylenyl, 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl enyl, C3-10 carbocyclenyl, or 3- to 10-membered heterocyclenyl, wherein the alkylenyl, alkenylenyl, alkynylenyl, arylenyl, heteroaryl enyl, carbocyclenyl, or heterocyclenyl is optionally substituted with halogen, -CN, -NO2, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 haloalkyl, Ci6 hydroxyalkyl, Ci6 aminoalkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, Ce-waryl, 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl, C3-10 carbocyclyl, 3- to 10-membered heterocyclyl, -SRb, -S(=O)Ra, -S(=O)2Ra, - S(=O)2ORb, -S(=O)2NRcRd, -NRcRd, -NRcS(=O)2Ra, -NRcS(=O)2Ra, -NRcS(=O)2ORb, - NRcS(=O)2NRcRd, -NRbC(=O)NRcRd, -NRbC(=O)Ra, -NRbC(=O)ORb, -ORb, -OS(=O)2Ra, - OS(=O)2ORb, -OS(=O)2NRcRd, -OC(=O)Ra, -OC(=O)ORb, -OC(=O)NRcRd, -C(=O)Ra, -C(=O)ORb, or -C(=O)NRcRd; wherein Ra, Rb, Rc, and Rdare independently C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 haloalkyl, Ci6 hydroxyalkyl, Ci6 aminoalkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, C3-10 carbocyclyl, 3- to 10-membered heterocyclyl, Ce-14 aryl, or 5- to 14-membered heteroaryl, wherein the alkyl, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, carbocyclyl, heterocyclyl, aryl, and heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one or more oxo, halogen, -CN, -OH, -OMe, -NH2, -C(=O)Me, -C(=O)OH, -C(=O)OMe, Ci6 alkyl, or Ci6 haloalkyl.

[0094] In some embodiments, Rcand Rd, together with the hetero atom (such as N, 0, S, P), form a 3- to 10-membered heterocyclyl, wherein the heterocyclyl is optionally substituted with one or more oxo, halogen, -CN, -OH, -OMe, -NH2, -C(=0)Me, -C(=0)0H, -C(=0)0Me, Ci6 alkyl, or Ci6 haloalkyl.

[0095] In certain embodiments, one of the crosslinkers or the spacer chains or groups comprise a structure of -XC(=O)CR3=C(R4)2, wherein X is independently O or NRe, Reis independently H or Ci- 6 alkyl, and each R3and R4is independently H or C1-6 alkyl. In certain embodiments, one of the crosslinkers comprises one or more functional groups including without limitation: CH2=CH- C(=O)O-, CH2=C(CH3)-C(=O)O-, CH2=CH-C(=O)NH-, and CH2=C(CH3)-C(=O)NH-.

[0096] In certain embodiments, the crosslinker with one or more functional groups includes without limitation:

[0097] In some embodiments, the crosslinker with one or more functional groups is a monomer for ring opening polymerization and has a formular as follows:PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)and any substituted form thereof, wherein x is an integer ranging from 1 to 1000.10098] In some embodiments, the monomer for ring opening polymerization includes:

[0099] In some embodiments, the monomer for ring opening polymerization comprises an unsubstituted or substituted oxirane ring, oxetane ring, furan ring, aziridine ring, and azetidine ring. J0100] In some embodiments, the polymer is in situ synthesized by mixing a monomer (or crosslinker) with other components to form a mixture followed by a polymerization. In some embodiments, the other components include the first electrolyte salt, the inorganic nitrate salt, the fluorine-free ether, the fluorinated ether and the nitrate salt carrier solvent.

[0101] In some embodiments, a monomer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluorobutane-l,4-diacrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluorohexane-l,6-diyl diacrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluorohexane-l,6-diyl bis(2-methylacrylate), polyethylene glycol) diacrylate with an Mn in a range from 500 to 5000 Daltons, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), diurethane dimethacrylate, tetraallyl silane (TAS), 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8- tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane, triethoxyvinylsilane, allyltriethoxysilane, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETA), pentaerythritol tetramethacrylate (PETMA), tris[2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl] isocyanurate (TAEI), di(trimethylolpropane) tetraacrylate (Di-TMPTA), trimethylolpropane propoxylate triacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, and a mixture thereof.

[0102] In some embodiments, the electrolyte compositions comprise the solvent in an amount of about 15 wt% to about 95 wt%; the first electrolyte salt in an amount of about 5 wt% to about 85 wt%; the inorganic nitrate salt in an amount of about 0.1 wt% to about 5.0 wt%, and the polymer in an amount of about 0.1 wt% to about 15 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition. In some embodiments, the electrolyte compositions of the disclosure comprise the solvent in anPCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025) amount of about 40 wt% to about 60 wt%; the electrolyte salt in an amount of about 40 wt% to about 60 wt%; and the polymer in an amount of about 0.5 wt% to about 2.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition. In some embodiments, the electrolyte compositions of the disclosure comprise the solvent in an amount of about 70 wt% to about 90 wt%; the electrolyte salt in an amount of about 10 wt% to about 30 wt%; and the polymer in an amount of about 0.5 wt% to about 2.5 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte composition.

[0103] In some embodiments, the electrolyte is a semi-solid electrolyte, wherein the polymer content is less than 20 wt%.

[0104] In some embodiments, the electrolyte comprises a polymer and has ionic conductivity of at least 1.0 mS / cm, at least 2.0 mS / cm, at least 3.0 mS / cm, at least 4.0 mS / cm, or at least 5.0 mS / cm at 25 °C.

[0105] In addition, certain embodiments are directed to compositions for use with electrolytes, batteries, or other electrochemical devices including same, and methods for producing same. In some cases, the incorporation of vinyl and / or allyl functional groups with UV crosslinking or thermal crosslinking can be used to improve various electrochemical performance.

[0106] In one aspect, the present disclosure is generally directed to an electrochemical cell including an electrolyte as disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the battery is an LIB, such as a lithium- ion solid-state battery. The electrochemical cell may include an anode, a cathode, and a separator. In some embodiments, the polymer electrolyte of the disclosure may be used as the electrolyte of the electrochemical cell, alone and / or in combination with other electrolyte materials.

[0107] In some embodiments, polymerizable and crosslinkable terminals (alternatively groups) include without limitation C2-20 alkenyl, C2-20 alkynyl, epoxy, amino, hydroxyl, carboxylic acid, or any substituted form thereof. In certain embodiments, they are vinyl and / or allyl.

[0108] In addition, in one set of embodiments, the terminals such as vinyl and / or allyl may be crosslinked together. For example, such terminals may be crosslinked using UV light, at an elevated temperature (e.g., between 20 °C and 100 °C), in the presence of an initiator, or other methods including those described herein. In some cases, the incorporation of three crosslinkable terminals leads to a disorganized or disordered network, resulting in improved electrochemical performances, or the like, such as relatively high ionic conductivities and decomposition voltages.

[0109] Specific non-limiting examples of initiators include photoinitiator, 2,2 ’-azobi s(2- methylpropionitrile), benzoyl peroxide, cumene hydroperoxide, dicumyl peroxide, ter-butyl hydroperoxide, di-tert-butyl peroxide, 2,2’-azobis[2-(2-imidazoline-2-yl)propane] dihydrochloride, ammonium persulfate, anisoin, anthraquinone, benzophenone, benzoin methyl ether, 2- Page l9 of 35PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025) isopropyl thioxanthone, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, 3’-hydroxyacetophenone, 3, 3 ’,4, 4’- benzophenonetetreacarboxylic dianhydride, 2-benzoylbenzoic acid, (±)-camphorquinone, 2- ethylanthraquinone, 2-methylbenzophenone, 4-hydroxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-2- methylpropiophenone, benzoin isobutyl ether, 4,4’-bis(dimethylamino)benzophenone, 4,4’- dihydroxybenzophenone, 4-benzoyl 4’ -methyldiphenyl sulfide, ferrocene, dibenzosuberenone, benzoin ethyl ether, benzil, methyl benzoylformate, 4-benzoylbenzoic acid, or others alike. In some cases, the initiator has a weight fraction (weight percentage) between 0.01 wt% and 5 wt%, or other suitable mole fractions to initiate polymerization or crosslinking, based on a total weight of the polymer electrolyte. In some embodiments, the weight fraction is no more than 5.0 wt%, no more than 4.0 wt%, no more than 3.0 wt%, no more than 2.0 wt%, or no more than 1.0 wt%. In some embodiments, the weight fraction is no more than 1.0 wt%, no more than 0.8 wt%, no more than 0.6 wt%, no more than 0.4 wt%, no more than 0.2 wt%, no more than 0.1 wt%, or no more than 0.05 wt%.

[0110] Some crosslinkers and other materials as described in WO 2020096632 Al and US application publication no. 20200144665 Al and 20200144667 Al are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.10.1 ll | Provided herein is an electrochemical device comprising the electrolyte as described herein.

[0112] In some embodiments, the electrochemical device is anode-free or comprises an anode.

[0113] In various examples, a battery includes an electrolyte of the present disclosure, an anode, and a cathode. In some embodiments, the anode is a carbon anode, Li anode, Si anode, alloy anode, LiMisO , or made from conversion anode materials. In some embodiments, the carbon anode comprises graphite, soft carbon, hard carbon, or combinations of thereof. In some embodiments, the Li anode comprises Li metal foil, Li metal on Cu, Ni, or stainless steel. In some embodiments, the Si anode comprises Si, Si / Carbon composite, SiOx (0<x<2), SiOx (0<x<2) / carbon composite or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the alloy anode comprises Sn, SnCh, Sb, Al, Mg, Bi, In, As, Zn, Ga, B, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the conversion anode materials comprise MaXb, M is Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, or Cu, X is O, S, Se, F, N, or P, a and b are respectively 1 to 4. In some embodiments, the anode is Li metal foil or Li metal on Cu, Ni, or stainless steel.

[0114] In various embodiments, a battery is anode free, i.e., only includes anode current collector without anode active material layer before charging or discharging.10.115] In some embodiments, the cathode comprises an electroactive material including one or more of lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide, lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, lithium titanate,PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025) metallic lithium, lithium metal oxide, lithium manganese oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, and lithium iron phosphate.10116] In some embodiments, the electrolyte compositions may exhibit better ionic conductivity. In some embodiments, the electrolyte exhibits an ionic conductivity of at least 1.0 mS / cm. In some embodiments, the electrolyte compositions can be thermally stable as none of the components of the electrolyte have a boiling point of less than 100 °C at 1 atm.

[0117] In some embodiments, the electrolyte has an oxidation potential of at least 4.25 V over Li / Li+ at 25 °C.

[0118] The electrolyte compositions of the disclosure include one or more non-limiting advantageous properties as follows. The electrolyte compositions of the disclosure can be stable (e.g., passing safety testing such as the safety tests described in the examples below) when comprised in an electrochemical device, e.g., lithium metal batteries. In some embodiments, the electrolyte compositions can have improved wetting capabilities (e.g., wetting speed, contact angles, or the like). In some embodiments, an electrochemical device (e.g., a battery) comprising the electrolyte compositions can have a capacity retention of at least 50% at low temperatures (e.g., 0 °C, -10 °C, or -20 °C). In some embodiments, the electrolyte compositions of the disclosure may be used to achieve safer, longer-life lithium batteries. In some embodiments, these properties may benefit fast charge and high power discharge.

[0119] In some embodiments, the electrochemical device such as LIB and lithium metal battery maintains a specific capacity of at least 160 mAh / g for at least 200 cycles, at least 220 cycles, at least 250 cycles, at least 300 cycles, at least 350 cycles, at least 400 cycles, at least 450 cycles, at least 500 cycles or at least 550 cycles wherein the charge current is 1 mA / cm2and the discharge current is 3 mA / cm2at 25 °C.

[0120] In some embodiments, an electrochemical device such as LIB and lithium metal battery (LMB) comprising the electrolyte as disclosed herein exhibits a cycle life of at least 400 cycles, at least 450 cycles, at least 500 cycles, or at least 550 cycles at 25 °C. The cycle life is determined when the discharge capacity of the electrochemical device drops below 80% of initial discharge capacity.

[0121] In some embodiments, the electrochemical device such as LIB and LMB can be fast charged at a current density of at least about 6 mA / cm2, at least about 9 mA / cm2, at least about 12 mA / cm2, at least about 15 mA / cm2, at least about 18 mA / cm2, or about 10 mA / cm2to about 18 mA / cm2. In some embodiments, the electrochemical device is an LIB or LMB and can be charged at a current density of about 12 mA / cm2to about 18 mA / cm2.PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)

[0122] In some embodiments, the electrochemical device such as LIB has a capacity retention of at least 50% (e.g., 50% to 100%) at a temperature in a range from 0 °C to -20 °C for at least 3 hours. For example, the electrochemical device is an LIB and has a capacity retention of at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 80% at a temperature in a range from 0 °C to -20 °C, or from - 10 °C to -20 °C for at least 3 hours, at least 6 hours, or at least 12 hours.

[0123] The present disclosure generally relates to a device with the electrolyte compositions disclosed herein. The device may be a battery, an LIB or a lithium-ion solid-state battery. The battery may be configured for applications such as portable applications, transportation applications, stationary energy storage applications, and the like. Such applications include drone, electric vehicle (EV), electric boat, and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The device may also be a battery comprising one or more lithium ions electrochemical cells.|0124| In some embodiments, an electrochemical device comprising the electrolyte as disclosed herein exhibits a cycle life of at least 400 cycles, at least 450 cycles, at least 500 cycles, or at least 550 cycles using a charge current density of 1.0 mA / cm2and discharge current density of 3.0 mA / cm2at 25 °C under an external pressure in a range from 0.2 MPa to 5.0 MPa.

[0125] Although the disclosed teachings have been described with reference to various applications, methods, compounds, compositions, and materials, it will be appreciated that various changes and modifications to them may be made without departing from the teachings herein. The following examples are provided to better illustrate the disclosed teachings and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings presented herein. While the present teachings have been described in terms of these exemplary embodiments, the skilled artisan will readily understand that numerous variations and modifications of these exemplary embodiments are possible without undue experimentation. All such variations and modifications are within the scope of the teachings of this disclosure.EXAMPLESExample 1Preparation of electrolyte

[0126] A solvent comprising 1,2-di ethoxy ethane (DEE) and bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methane (BTFM) was prepared. The first electrolyte salt lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) was added into the solvent to form solution A. An inorganic nitrate salt, lithium nitrate (LiNCh), was added into a nitrate carrier solvent diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DGL) and was fully dissolved to form solution B. Solution B was added into solution A, forming a number of homogenous solutions as electrolyte shown in Table 1.PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)Table 1 Electrolyte compositions0127] Li stripping / plating coulombic efficiency (CE) is a critical parameter for the evaluation of electrolyte stability on Li metal anode. The Li stripping / plating CE was obtained by stripping / plating cycles in Li / Cu cells comprising Li metal as anode, Cu foil as cathode, microporous membrane as a separator, and electrolytes as prepared. The ionic conductivity of the electrolyte was calculated based on the bulk resistance obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements at 25 °C.Table 2 Ionic conductivity of the electrolyte and average CE of a cell comprising the electrolytea: Average CE is total Li stripping cycle capacity divided by total Li plating cycle capacity using Aurbach CE protocol with a current density of 1.0 mA / cm2, a capacity of 3.0 mAh / cm2, and a total of 10 stripping / plating cycles. [Adv. Energy Mater. 2017, 1702097],

[0128] As shown in Table 2, comparative example 1 without LiNCh and nitrate carrier solvent has an ionic conductivity of 4.89 mS / cm and an average CE of 99.18%. Examples 1-1 and 1-2 have similar ionic conductivity to comparative example 1 but higher average CE. Because the average CE is already above 99%, a small change in CE will show huge differences in cycle life. For instance, example 1-2 shows an average CE of 99.41%, average Li consumption of each cycle is 28% less than comparative example 1.[0.129| Fig. 1 shows a comparison between example 1-1, example 1-2 and comparative example 1 in Li / Cu coin cell. The Li / Cu coin cell comprises Li metal as anode, microporous membrane as separator, Cu foil as cathode, and example 1-1, example 1-2, or comparative example 1 as electrolyte. The Li / CuPCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025) coin cell was subjected to Li plating / stripping cycles on Cu foil. The Li / Cu cycle life is determined by the number of cycles until the cell fails. The Li plating current density is 1.0 mA / cm2and Li plating capacity is 3.0 mAh / cm2. The Li stripping current density is 1.0 mA / cm2and the cut-off voltage for the Li stripping on Cu foil is 1.0 V to ensure fully stripping. The Li / Cu cycle life of comparative example 1, example 1-1, and example 1-2 is 149 cycles, 242 cycles, and 215 cycles, respectively.Example 210.1301 An electrolyte comprising a polymer was prepared by mixing Example 1-1 as base electrolyte, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETA) as monomer, and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator followed by polymerization at 65 °C. The composition of the polymer electrolyte before polymerization is shown in Table 3.Table 3 Electrolyte composition before polymerization|01311 A battery with a cathode, an anode, a separator, and the polymer electrolyte was discharged and charged between various voltage ranges at 25 °C using a battery tester with various current rates. Cycle life is determined by the number of cycles for the battery cell to reach 80% of its original capacity (capacity retention).|0132| A multi-layer pouch cell comprising Li metal as anode, microporous membrane as separator, NMC81 1 as cathode, and polymer electrolyte example 2-1 as electrolyte was cycled between 2.8V to 4.25 V at 25 °C using a charge current density of 1.0 mA / cm2and discharge current density of 3.0 mA / cm2under an external pressure in a range from 0.2 MPa to 5.0 MPa. The specific discharge capacity, discharge capacity retention, and CE are shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4, respectively. The initial specific discharge capacity is 179 mAh / g, The cycle life is 594 cycles. The coulombic efficiency (CE) is high and consistently greater than 99.0%.Example 310133] Electrolytes with compositions in Table 4 were prepared and tested similar to Example 1 except tri ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TGL) was used as nitrate salt carrier solvent instead of DGL.

[0134] Cells comprising electrolyte examples 3-1 and 3-2 were tested similar to example 1 except the cycle number is 50 cycles instead of 10 cycles. Even with extended cycling, examples 3-1 and 3-2 have a high average CE above 99.40% (Table 5), indicating great long-term stability.PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)Table 4 Electrolyte compositionsTable 5 Ionic conductivity of the electrolyte and average CE of a cell comprising electrolytey Average CE is total Li stripping cycle capacity divided by total Li plating cycle capacity using Aurbach CE protocol with a current density of 1.0 mA / cm2, a capacity of 3.0 mAh / cm2, and a total of 50 stripping / plating cycles. [Adv. Energy Mater. 2017, 1702097],Example 4101351 An electrolyte comprising a polymer was prepared by mixing Example 3-2 as base electrolyte, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETA) as monomer, and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator followed by polymerization at 65 °C. The composition of the polymer electrolyte before polymerization is shown in Table 6.Table 6 Electrolyte composition before polymerization

[0136] A multi-layer pouch cell comprising Li metal as anode, microporous membrane as separator, NMC81 1 as cathode, and polymer electrolyte example 4-1 as electrolyte was cycled between 2.8V to 4.25 V at 25 °C using a charge current density of 1.0 mA / cm2and a Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) discharge profile to simulate driving. The average discharge current density of the WLTP profile is 1.0 mA / cm2. The cell was cycled under an external pressure in a range from 0.2 MPa to 5.0 MPa. The capacity retention of the cell is shown in Fig. 5. The capacity retention is more than 100% at 450 cycles.PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)ASPECTS10137] In a first aspect of the disclosure, the present disclosure provides an electrolyte comprising a first electrolyte salt that is not a nitrate salt; an inorganic nitrate salt; a fluorinated ether; a fluorine- free ether, and a nitrate salt carrier solvent different from the fluorinated ether and the fluorine-free ether. In some embodiments, the first electrolyte salt and the inorganic nitrate salt are fully dissolved in the electrolyte without precipitation. In some embodiments, the nitrate salt carrier solvent is miscible with the fluorine-free ether and the fluorinated ether. In some embodiments, the fluorine- free ether and the fluorinated ether are present in a weight ratio in a range from 1 :20 to 20: 1.(0138] In a second aspect according to the first aspect, the fluorine-free ether is a compound of Formula (I):Rla-O-R2a(I), wherein Rlais Ci-io alkyl and R2ais Ci-io alkyl or -(CH2)W-0-(CI-IO alkyl); orRlaand R2a, together with the oxygen atom therebetween form a 4-7 membered heterocyclyl, wherein n is an integer in a range from 1 to 5

[0139] In a third aspect according to the second aspect, Rlais C2-10 alkyl and R2ais C2-10 alkyl or - (CH2-0-(C2-IO alkyl).

[0140] In a fourth aspect according to the first aspect, the inorganic nitrate salt is present in an amount in a range from about 0.05 wt% to about 5.0 wt%, based on the total weight of the electrolyte.

[0141] In a fifth aspect according to the first aspect, the nitrate salt carrier solvent is an ether with a formula (II):wherein R3ais selected from the group consisting of C1-4 alkyl, -[(C1-4 alkylene)-O-]x-(Ci-4 alkyl), R4a, R5aand R6aare independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-4 alkyl, -O-(Ci-4 alkyl), -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(Ci-4 alkyl), -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(Ci-4 alkyl), x and y are independently an integer in a range from 1 to 10, and the nitrite salt carrier solvent contains three or more oxygen atoms.

[0142] In a sixth aspect according to the first aspect, the fluorinated ether is an ether with a formulaPCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)wherein R3bis selected from the group consisting of Ci-io alkyl, Ci-io fluoroalkyl, -[(Ci-4 alkylene)- O-]X-(C 1-10 alkyl), and -[(C1-4 alkylene)-0-]x-(Ci-io fluoroalkyl),R4b, R5band R6bare independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, C1-10 alkyl, C1-10 fluoroalkyl, -0-(Ci-io alkyl), -0-(Ci-io fluoroalkyl), -[(C1-4 alkylene)-0-]y-(Ci-io alkyl), -[(C1-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(Ci -10 fluoroalkyl), -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]y-(Ci-io alkyl), and -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)- O-]y-(Ci -10 fluoroalkyl), x and y are independently an integer in a range from 1 to 10, and at least one of R3b, R4b, R5band R6bcomprises one or more fluorine (F).

[0143] In a seventh aspect according to the first aspect, the fluorine-free ether comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of 1,2-di ethoxy ethane (DEE), 1,2-dipropoxy ethane (DPE), 1,2- dibutoxyethane (DBE), diethyl ether, dibutyl ether, di-te / 7-butyl ether, tert-butyl ethyl ether, tert-butyl methyl ether, 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, and mixtures thereof.

[0144] In an eighth aspect according to the first aspect, the nitrate salt carrier solvent comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DGL), triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (triglyme), tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (tetraglyme), and di(propylene glycol) methyl ether, and mixtures thereof.

[0145] In a nineth aspect according to the first aspect, the fluorinated ether comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of1) bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methane (BTFM),2) l,l,l,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-(l,l,l,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-yloxymethoxy)propane,3) bi s(3 , 3 ,3 -trifluoropropoxy)methane,4) 1, 1, l-trifluoro-3-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methoxy]propane,5) bis(2,2,3,3,3-pentafluoropropoxy)methane,6) 1, 1, l,2,2-pentafluoro-3-((2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methoxy)propane,7) l,l,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE),8) 1H, lH,5H-octafluoropentyl- 1 , 1 ,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether (OTE),9) bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) ether,10) l,2-bis(2,2-difluoroethoxy)ethane (BDFE),PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)11) 2-[2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)ethoxy]-l,l,l-trifluoroethane (DTFE),12) 1H,1H,2’H-Perfluorodipropyl ether,13) 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether,14) 1,2-(1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethoxy)ethane (TFEE),15) tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)orthoformate (TFEO), and mixtures thereof.

[0146] In a tenth aspect according to the first aspect, the electrolyte comprises at least 30 wt% of the first electrolyte salt. In some embodiments, the first electrolyte salt comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of lithium perchlorate (Li C ICE), lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPFe), lithium borofluoride (LiBF4), lithium hexafluoroarsenide (LiAsFe), lithium trifluorometasulfonate (LiCFsSCh), lithium bisperfluoro-ethysulfonylimide (LiBETI), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiN(CF3SC>2)2, LiTFSI), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiBF2C2C>4, LiDFOB), lithium fluoroalkyl-phosphates (Li[PFx(CyF2y+i-zHz)6-x]) (l<x<5, l<y<8, and 0<z<2y-l), lithium fluorophosphate (Li2PO3F), lithium difluorophosphate (LiDFP), lithium difluoro(bisoxalato)phosphate (LiCLPO^), and lithium tetrafluoro oxalato phosphate (LiC PCEF^, lithium tris(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)methide (LiC(CF3SO2)3), LiF, LiCl, LiBr, Lil, Li2SO4, LisPCE, L12CO3, lithium acetate, lithium trifluoromethyl acetate, and lithium oxalate.

[0147] In an eleventh aspect according to the first aspect, the inorganic nitrate salt comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of silver nitrate (AgNCh), lithium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, zinc nitrate, magnesium nitrate, aluminum nitrate, calcium nitrate and mixtures thereof.

[0148] In a twelfth aspect according to the eleventh aspect, the electrolyte further comprises an ionic liquid-based nitrate, wherein the ionic liquid-based nitrate comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of tetraalkylammonium nitrate, tetraalkylphosphonium nitrate, l-alkyl-3- alkylimidazolium nitrate, and cyclic quaternary ammonium nitrate. In some embodiments, the ionic liquid-based nitrate comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of tetraethyl ammonium nitrate, tetrabutylammonium nitrate, tributylmethylphosphonium nitrate, l-ethyl-3- methylimidazolium nitrate, N-propyLN-methylpyrrolidinium nitrate, N-propyl-N- methylpiperidinium nitrate, and N-propyl-N-methylazepanium nitrate.10149] In a thirteenth aspect according to the first aspect, the electrolyte further comprises a polymer with a weight percentage in a range from 0.02 wt% to 20 wt% in the electrolyte, wherein the polymer is in situ synthesized after mixing a monomer with the first electrolyte salt, the nitrate salt, the fluorine-free ether, the fluorinated ether and the nitrate salt carrier solvent. In some embodiments, thePCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025) monomer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluorobutane-l,4- diacrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluorohexane-l,6-diyl diacrylate, 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluorohexane- 1,6-diyl bis(2-methylacrylate), polyethylene glycol) diacrylate with an Mn in a range from 500 to 5000 Daltons, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), diurethane dimethacrylate, tetraallyl silane (TAS), 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane, triethoxyvinylsilane, allyltriethoxysilane, pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PETA), pentaerythritol tetramethacrylate (PETMA), tris[2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl] isocyanurate (TAEI), di(trimethylolpropane) tetraacrylate (Di-TMPTA), trimethylolpropane propoxylate triacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate, dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, and a mixture thereof.(0150] In a fourteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides an electrochemical device comprising the electrolyte according to any preceding aspect and an anode. In some embodiments, the anode comprises a lithium metal or lithium alloy. In some embodiments, the electrochemical device exhibits a cycle life of at least 400 cycles using a charge current density of 1.0 mA / cm2and discharge current density of 3.0 mA / cm2at 25 °C under an external pressure in a range from 0.2 MPa to 5.0 MPa.

[0151] In a fifteenth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of preparing an electrolyte solution, the method comprising:1) Preparing a first solution by mixing a first electrolyte salt other than nitrate salt, a fluorine-free ether and a fluorinated ether into the first solution, wherein the first electrolyte salt is fully dissolved therein;2) Preparing a second solution by mixing an inorganic nitrate salt and a nitrate salt carrier solvent, wherein the nitrate salt carrier solvent is different from the fluorine-free ether and fluorinated ether and the inorganic nitrate salt is fully dissolved therein; and3) Mixing the first solution and the second solution, thereby obtaining an electrolyte solution, wherein the first electrolyte salt is present in a weight percentage of at least 30 wt% in the electrolyte solution and the first electrolyte salt and the inorganic nitrate salt are fully dissolved therein without precipitation.

[0152] In some embodiments, the inorganic nitrate salt is present in an amount of no greater than 5.0 wt% in the electrolyte solution. In some embodiments, the first solution further comprises an ionic liquid-based nitrate. In some embodiments, the second solution further comprises an ionic liquidbased nitrate. In some embodiments, when the electrolyte solution comprises both an inorganic nitrate salt and an organic nitrate salt (such as ionic liquid-based nitrate), the total weight percentage of both nitrates is no greater than 5.0 wt%.PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)

[0153] All transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0154] Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0155] Various embodiments of the features of this disclosure are described herein. However, it should be understood that such embodiments are provided merely by way of example, and numerous variations, changes, and substitutions can occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It should also be understood that various alternatives to the specific embodiments described herein are also within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)We claim:

1. An electrolyte comprising:• a first electrolyte salt that is not a nitrate salt;• an inorganic nitrate salt;• a fluorinated ether• a fluorine-free ether, and• a nitrate salt carrier solvent different from the fluorinated ether and the fluorine-free ether, wherein the first electrolyte salt and the inorganic nitrate salt are fully dissolved therein without precipitation.

2. The electrolyte of claim 1, wherein the fluorine-free ether is a compound of Formula (I):Rla-O-R2a(I), wherein Rlais Ci-io alkyl and R2ais Ci-io alkyl or -(CH2)»-0-(CI-IO alkyl); orRlaand R2a, together with the oxygen atom therebetween form a 4-7 membered heterocyclyl, wherein n is an integer in a range from 1 to 5.

3. The electrolyte of claim 2, wherein Rlais C2-10 alkyl and R2ais C2-10 alkyl or -(CH2)«-O-(C2- 10 alkyl).

4. The electrolyte of claim 1, wherein the electrolyte comprises at least 30 wt% of the first electrolyte salt.

5. The electrolyte of claim 1, wherein the inorganic nitrate salt is present in an amount in a range from about 0.1 wt% to about 5.0 wt% based on the total weight of the electrolyte.

6. The electrolyte of claim 1, wherein the nitrate salt carrier solvent is an ether with a formulaPCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025) wherein R3ais selected from the group consisting of Ci-4 alkyl, -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]x-(Ci-4 alkyl),R4a, R5aand R6aare independently selected from the group consisting of H, Ci-4 alkyl, -O-(Ci-4 alkyl), -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(Ci-4 alkyl), -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-O-]y-(Ci-4 alkyl), x and y are independently an integer in a range from 1 to 10, and wherein the nitrite salt carrier solvent contains three or more oxygen atoms.

7. The electrolyte of claim 1, wherein the fluorinated ether is an ether with a formula (III):(III), wherein R3bis selected from the group consisting of Ci-io alkyl, Ci-io fluoroalkyl, -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]x-(Ci-io alkyl), and -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]x-(Ci-io fluoroalkyl),R4b, R5band R6bare independently selected from the group consisting of H, F, Ci-io alkyl, Ci-io fluoroalkyl, -0-(Ci-io alkyl), -0-(Ci-io fluoroalkyl), -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]y-(Ci-io alkyl), -[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]y-(Ci-io fluoroalkyl), -O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]y-(Ci-io alkyl), and-O-[(Ci-4 alkylene)-0-]y-(Ci-io fluoroalkyl), x and y are independently an integer in a range from 1 to 10, and at least one of R3b, R4b, R5band R6bcomprises one or more fluorine (F).

8. The electrolyte of claim 1, wherein the fluorine-free ether comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of 1,2-di ethoxy ethane (DEE), 1,2-dipropoxy ethane (DPE), 1,2- dibutoxyethane (DBE), diethyl ether, dibutyl ether, di-te / 7-butyl ether, Zc77-butyl ethyl ether, / c / V-butyl methyl ether, 1,3 -di oxolane, 1,4-dioxane, and mixtures thereof.

9. The electrolyte of claim 1, wherein the nitrate salt carrier solvent comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DGL), triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TGL), tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (tetraglyme), and di(propylene glycol) methyl ether, and mixtures thereof.PCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025)10. The electrolyte of claim 1, wherein the fluorinated ether comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of1) bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methane (BTFM),2) 1,1, 1,3, 3, 3 -hexafluoro-2-( 1 , 1 , 1 ,3 , 3 ,3 -hexafluoropropan-2-yloxymethoxy)propane,3) bis(3,3,3-trifluoropropoxy)methane,4) l,l,l-trifluoro-3-[(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methoxy]propane,5) bis(2,2, 3 ,3 , 3 -pentafluoropropoxy)methane,6) l,l,l,2,2-pentafluoro-3-((2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)methoxy)propane,7) l,l,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE),8) lH,lH,5H-octafluoropentyl-l,l,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether (OTE),9) bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) ether,10) l,2-bis(2,2-difluoroethoxy)ethane (BDFE),11) 2-[2-(2,2-difluoroethoxy)ethoxy]-l,l,l-trifluoroethane (DTFE),12) 1H,1H,2’H-Perfluorodipropyl ether,13) 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether,14) 1,2-(1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethoxy)ethane (TFEE),15) tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)orthoformate (TFEO), and mixtures thereof.

11. The electrolyte of claim 1, wherein the inorganic nitrate salt comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of silver nitrate (AgNC ), lithium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, zinc nitrate, magnesium nitrate, aluminum nitrate, calcium nitrate, and mixtures thereof.

12. The electrolyte of claim 1 further comprising an ionic liquid-based nitrate, wherein the ionic liquid-based nitrate comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of tetraalkylammonium nitrate, tetraalkylphosphonium nitrate, l-alkyl-3-alkylimidazolium nitrate, and cyclic quaternary ammonium nitrate.

13. The electrolyte of claim 1 further comprising a polymer with a weight percentage in a range from 0.1 wt% to 20 wt% in the electrolyte, wherein the polymer is in situ synthesized afterPCT / US25 / 41433 11 August 2025 (11.08.2025) mixing a monomer with the first electrolyte salt, the inorganic nitrate salt, the fluorine-free ether, the fluorinated ether and the nitrate salt carrier solvent.

14. An electrochemical device comprising the electrolyte of claim 1 and an anode.

15. A method of preparing an electrolyte solution, the method comprising:1) Preparing a first solution by mixing a first electrolyte salt other than nitrate salt, a fluorine-free ether and a fluorinated ether into the first solution, wherein the first electrolyte salt is fully dissolved therein;2) Preparing a second solution by mixing an inorganic nitrate salt and a nitrate salt carrier solvent, wherein the nitrate salt carrier solvent is different from the fluorine- free ether and fluorinated ether and the inorganic nitrate salt is fully dissolved therein; and3) Mixing the first solution and the second solution, thereby obtaining an electrolyte solution, wherein the first electrolyte salt is present in a weight percentage of at least 30 wt% in the electrolyte solution and the first electrolyte salt and the inorganic nitrate salt are fully dissolved therein without precipitation.

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