Synthesis, characterization and application of a non-flammable dicationic ionic liquid in lithium-ion battery as electrolyte additive.

A novel dicationic room temperature ionic liquid, 1,1'-(5,14-dioxo-4,6,13,15-tetraazaoctadecane-1,18-diyl) bis(3-(sec-butyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium) bis((trifluoromethyl)-sulfonyl) imide has been synthesized and fully characterized. Its thermal and electrochemical analyses along with transport properties have been studied. We propose it as a potential nominal additive to the commonly used conventional organic carbonate electrolyte mixture and study its adaptability in Lithium-ion batteries which are the prime power sources for ultraportable electronic devices. We have compared the performance characteristics of the full cells made without and with this ionic liquid. The cells comprise lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide cathode, graphite anode and ethylene carbonate - dimethyl carbonate (1:1, v/v + LiPF) mixture electrolyte with nominal amount of ionic liquid as additive. The major concern with conventional electrolytes such as degradation of the materials inside batteries has been addressed by this electrolyte additive. Additionally, this additive is safer at relatively higher temperature. In its presence, the overall battery life is enhanced and it shows good cycling performance and coulombic efficiency with better discharge capacities (22% higher) after 100 cycles. Even after the increase in current rate from 10 mA/g to 100 mA/g, the cell still retains around 73% of capacity.