Manufacturing process for improved discharge of lithium-containing electrochemical cells

Abstract

In primary cells, the addition of gaseous carbon dioxide to the nonaqueous electrolyte has beneficial effects in terms of minimizing or eliminating voltage delay and reducing Rdc build-up when the cell is subjected to pulse current discharge conditions. For secondary systems, carbon dioxide provided in the electrolyte benefits cycling efficiency. The problem is that carbon dioxide readily degases from an electrolyte prepared under an ambient atmosphere. To prevent this, the carbon dioxide-containing electrolyte is prepared and stored in a carbon dioxide atmosphere. Also, the thusly prepared electrolyte is filed into the casing in a carbon dioxide-containing atmosphere. This prevents degassing of the additive from the electrolyte.