Synthesis of aminoalkylsilanes with oligo(ethylene oxide) unit as multifunctional electrolyte additives for lithium-ion batteries

Aminoalkylsilanes with oligo(ethylene oxide) units were designed and synthesized as multifunctional electrolyte additives for lithium-ion batteries. The chemical structures were fully characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and their thermal properties, viscosities, electrochemical windows, and ionic conductivities were systematically measured. With adding one of these compounds (1 vol. %, DSC3N1) in the baseline electrolyte 1.0 M LiPF6 in EC: DEC (1:1, in volume), Li/LiCoO2 half cell tests showed an improved cyclability after 100 cycles and improved rate capability at 5C rate condition. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) analysis confirmed the acid scavenging function and film forming capability of DSC3N1. These results demonstrated that the multifunctional organosilicon compounds have considerable potential as additives for use in lithium-ion batteries.