New concentrated LiFSI solutions!

DellaTech introduces new LiFSI solutions

We’re excited to announce our next generation of LiFSI products!  DellaTech is replacing our LiFSI powder product (#2001) with a new family of concentrated solutions of LiFSI in solvents. Our first product in this new family is a 30 wt% LiFSI/70 wt% diethyl carbonate (DEC) solution, product #4001.  We will be introducing additional mixtures in the coming weeks.

  These mixtures are produced using an innovative, patent-pending synthetic route developed by DellaTech engineers. This route provides a number of critical advantages over competing LiFSI synthesis processes. In particular, In particular, DellaTech’s process:

• uses no organic solvents,
•  dramatically reduces VOC emissions,
• yields a concentrated liquid electrolyte solution,
• utilizes low-cost lithium feedstocks: lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide,
• yields a liquid product that can be transported in industry-standard liquid drums and totes, in contrast to the expensive specialized drums required for conventional powder forms of LiFSI,
• eliminates capital and labor intensive drying processes, and
• can be implemented in either a batch or continuous manner.

Our new concentrated solutions have several important advantages over prior-art powder products from other firms. Most importantly, the improved efficiency of our process enables DellaTech to offer higher-purity LiFSI at lower costs. Our LiFSI/DEC solutions are now offered at a 25% discount to our LiFSI powder prices, based on the LiFSI mass. 

In addition, the liquid solution is quite a bit easier to measure and handle than the powder, particularly in small quantities. The majority of electrolyte compositions in use or under development today can be made by simply diluting the concentrated solution with additional solvents. No need to wait for powders to dissolve, no need to filter insoluble impurities--we handle all of this at the factory. Just mix and get on with your research.

We’ve been test-marketing this product for some time, and have collected some of the frequently asked questions and answers in the paragraphs below.

FAQ

Will this product work in my application?

Our solutions will work in any electrolyte recipe as long as the mass ratio of LiFSI to solvent is less than the concentration provided. So step one is to check the mass ratio of LiFSI to DEC or EC in your electrolyte. For example, consider an electrolyte with a composition of 45 EC : 45 DEC : 10 LiFSI (by mass). This gives a LiFSI:DEC ratio of 22:78 LiFSI:DEC.  Since this is less than the 30:70 LiFSI:DEC ratio in our concentrated solution, it can be made simply by diluting the concentrated solution with EC and DEC to the concentration desired.

DellaTech’s concentrated solutions range from 30 to 50%. That’s typically much higher than is required. Particularly since LiFSI is often combined with other lithium salts such as LiPF6 and LiBOB to optimize properties. As long as your solution contains either DEC or EC, it’s likely our concentrated solutions will meet your needs.

I’ve been very happy with the quality of DellaTech’s LiFSI powder. How will the quality of these solutions compare?

We’re pleased to state that the quality of our LiFSI concentrated solution not only meets the high standards that you have come to expect from our team, but improves upon them. Our new process gives us additional chances to remove certain impurities, enabling us to deliver product with remarkably low levels of fluoride, chloride and sulfate impurities. Analysis of a recent batch by Argonne National Laboratory using ion chromatography shows 4.8 ppm fluoride, 2.0 ppm chloride, and 4.7 ppm sulfate. These are equivalent to LiFSI powder with 9.7 ppm fluoride, 3.7 ppm chloride, and 6.4 ppm sulfate, and are well within the most stringent specifications we have received from major automotive manufacturers in the U.S., Asia and Europe. 

Will I still be able to buy LiFSI powder from DellaTech?

DellaTech is discontinuing our LiFSI powder line. We have a small amount of inventory in stock, but once this is sold, we will not be producing more. We sincerely believe that our concentrated LiFSI solutions offer superior value. 

How accurately is the LiFSI concentration specified? 

Our nominal 30% solution of LiFSI in DEC will range from 27 to 33% LiFSI. The LiFSI content of individual batches is specified on the container with an accuracy of ±1 wt%. For example, an individual bottle might be 29.5±1%.

My experimental electrolyte composition doesn’t contain DEC or EC. What do I do?

We routinely blend custom electrolyte solutions for customers. While our process has some limitations, we can use a wide range of solvents. Were happy to evaluate your requirements and make custom solutions for a small NRE fee. Call us and see what we can do for you!

Our contract requires us to buy from American manufacturers, if possible. Are your concentrated salt solutions made in America?

We’re proud to say that all of our salts and electrolyte solutions are made in the U.S.A. We ship worldwide via FedEx, and supply R&D groups all over the world from our factory in Boulder, Colorado.

What if I still have questions?

Give us a call--we're passionate about fine chemicals, electrolytes, and solving customer problems. DellaTech strives to be your preferred electrolyte partner--we're more than simply a vendor.