FRIONs: Flame retardant ions for safer lithium ion batteries

Lithium ion batteries have become the power sources of choice for mobile communication devices, portable computers, and power tools. Attention has recently been focused on their potential use for vehicular applications. Safety concerns, such as dangers associated with the flammability of the organic solvents during catastrophic failure or abuse, have hampered widespread introduction of this promising technology on larger scales. We have initiated efforts to rationally design new flame retardant ions (FRIONs) for use as battery electrolyte materials that retain and/or enhance the operational needs of lithium ion salts in terms of optimal charge storage transport and solid electrolyte interface (SEI) attributes. The synthesis and characterization of materials designed as FRIONs will be presented.