Li-intercalation of Graphite Anode in

Lithium-ion batteries generally use ethylene carbonate (EC)-based electrolytes because they have high ionic conductivity, and can form an effective solid electrolyte interface (SEI) that helps intercalation of lithium ion into graphite anode. However, EC-based electrolytes involve safety issues because of their low thermal stability and flammability. Accordingly, ionic liquids (ILs) recently come into the spotlight as alternative solvents of EC-based electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries owing to their properties such as non-flammability, low-volatility and high ionic conductivity. However, incompatibility of typical ILs with graphite anode has also been recognized as a serious problem for lithium-ion battery application. Our group is employing a new family of ILs, solvate ILs for battery electrolyte [1]. A typical solvate ILs consist o