Investigation of a Novel Ecofriendly Electrolyte-Solvent for Lithium-Ion Batteries with Increased Thermal Stability

This study presents tributyl acetylcitrate (TBAC) as a novel ecofriendly high flash point and high boiling point solvent for electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries. The flash point (TFP=217∘C) and the boiling point (TBP=331∘C) of TBAC are approximately 200 K greater than that of conventional linear carbonate components, such as ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) or diethyl carbonate (DEC). The melting point (TMP=−80∘C) is more than 100 K lower than that of ethylene carbonate (EC). Furthermore, TBAC is known as an ecofriendly solvent from other industrial sectors. A life cycle test of a graphite/NCM cell with 1 M lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) in TBAC:EC:EMC:DEC (60:15:5:20 wt) achieved a coulombic efficiency of above 99% and the remaining capacity resulted in 90 percent after 100 cycles (C/4) of testing. As a result, TBAC is considered a viable option for improving the thermal stability of lithium-ion batteries.