Preliminary cell performance of a rechargeable Li/LixCoO2 cell at room temperature and 80-degrees-C with a LiCF3SO3-NMP electrolyte has been evaluated. The results indicate that the cells using N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) solution at room temperature can deliver energy densities of 100-110 W b/kg at 1 mA/CM2 discharge rate over 100 cycles while the cells at 80-degrees-C or those using propylene carbonate (PC) solution can only last 40 cycles. Cathode preparation is discussed in terms of reaction time, number of firings, particle size, and type of binder. This is the first report to be published on the use of a LiCF3SO3-NMP electrolyte in rechargeable lithium cells.
