Typical electrolyte solvents for use in liquid or polymer
electrolyte solutions include alkyl ethers and alkene carbonates. These solvents
are used to dissolve electrolyte solutes and/or rubberizing polymer additives to
form electrolyte solutions which may be used in electrochemical devices.
However, these materials have significant disadvantages. Ethers are volatile and
have low dielectric constants, while carbonates are unstable around alkali
metals and have high melting points.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new
type of molecular solvent having an acidic boron atom as a key constituent. This
solvent has such a wide electrochemical window and such powerful solvating
properties that it is an excellent target solvent for alkali salts in
rechargeable alkali metal anodes, high voltage cathodes, and voltaic cells.
High-output electrochemical devices can be facilitated through use of this
solvent.
This technology part of a suite of electrolyte and battery
technologies developed at Arizona State University. Significant testing has been
completed, and the results have been published. At this time, AzTE is seeking
potential partners and licensees for this issued patent and related
technologies.
Potential Applications
- Rechargeable Batteries
- Fuel Cells
- Photovoltaic Cells
- Photochromic Displays
- Other Electrochemical Applications
Benefits and Advantages
- High Stability – This solvent has superior
electrochemical stability against anionic decomposition compared to
conventional electrochemical solvents. Additionally, it has superior
resistance to degradation in the presence of alkali metals.
- High Solubility – This solvent can dissolve large mole
fractions of most electrolyte solutions including alkali salts.
- Wide Temperature Range – This solvent is a glass-forming
liquid at room temperature and down to ~-70 degrees C, allowing effective use
at low temperatures. Additionally, it exhibits a high boiling point and
correspondingly lower ambient temperature volatility.
- Wide Electrochemical Window – The solvent has a wide
electrochemical window in excess of 4 volts.
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