Showa Denko KK to Develop New Liquid Electrolytes for Automotive Li-ion Batteries Using Air Products Flourinated Salt

25 November 2009

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) will develop next-generation liquid electrolytes for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) using a new and stable fluorinated electrolyte salt (Li₂B₁₂F_xH_12-x), aiming to soon commercialize the liquid electrolytes for use in large LIBs for vehicles.

The new electrolyte salt, which can replace conventional electrolyte salts, was developed by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. (Earlier post.) SDK has obtained a license from Air Products to use its salt patents and know-how concerning the Stabilife electrolyte salt for automotive and other applications. The terms of the license agreement were not released. The two companies have separately been developing next-generation battery materials for many years.

Air Products’ Stabilife Salts are electrolyte salts based on the poly-fluorinated borane cluster anions, [B₁₂F_xH₁₂-x]2. Stabilife salts have exhibited extraordinary thermal and hydrolytic stability that can allow for the use of safer, lower cost electrode materials, such as LiMn₂O₄ and LiFePO₄, in large format lithium ion batteries. They also have expanded the operating temperature window of lithium-ion batteries versus currently employed lithium electrolyte salts.

SDK’s next-generation liquid electrolyte is aimed to prevent or inhibit the risk of ignition resulting from overcharge of LIBs, and battery deterioration due to oxidants generated in liquid electrolytes after repeated charges and discharges and, at the same time, increase battery capacity.

SDK will expand its lineup of fluorine compounds by advancing into the area of LIB components, in addition to electronics applications. In view of the global warming issue and limitations of mineral resources, we will continue providing individualized materials and technologies for environmental protection and energy conservation, thereby contributing to the sound growth of society.