| abstract |
Methods for trapping acid in a lithium ion electrochemical cell are provided. Electrolytic solution containing or capable of forming the acid is contacted with a polymer comprising a nitrogen-containing acid scavenging moiety selected from the group consisting of: an amine group, a pyridine group, and combinations thereof. The nitrogen-containing acid scavenging portion intercepts the acidic species present in the electrolyte solution by participating in a Lewis acid-base neutralization reaction. The electrolyte solution comprises a lithium salt and one or more solvents, and is contained in the electrochemical cell, which further comprises a first electrode, a second electrode of opposite polarity to the first electrode, and a porous separator. Lithium ions may be cycled through the separator and the electrolyte solution from the first electrode to the second electrode, whereby the acid generated during the cycle is trapped by the polymer comprising a nitrogen-containing acid-trapping member. |