Nonaqueous electrolytes based on organosilicon ammonium derivatives for high-energy power sources

A method of making a liquid electrolyte, comprising the steps of:

• providing an aprotic solvent, a salt of an alkali metal and an additive, said additive including:
• a organosilicon backbone including at least one ethylene oxide (CH2CH2O) unit,
• at least two pyridinium groups bound to said backbone, said pyridinium groups each bound to at least one halogen ion or halogen-containing anion, and
• mixing together said additive, said aprotic solvent and said salt.

A method of making a polymer electrolyte, comprising the steps of:

• providing a polymeric material, an aprotic solvent, a salt of an alkali metal and an additive, said additive including:
• a organosilicon backbone including at least one ethylene oxide (CH2CH2O) unit,
• at least two pyridinium groups bound to said backbone, said pyridinium groups each bound to at least one halogen ion or halogen-containing anion;
• and
• mixing together said additive, said polymeric material, said aprotic solvent and said salt.

A method of making an electrochemical cell comprising the steps of:

• providing an anode comprising an alkali metal or an alkali ion;
• providing a cathode;
• operatively associating an nonaqueous electrolyte with said anode and cathode, said nonaqueous electrolyte comprising at least one ion-forming alkali salt;
• and
• dissolving an additive into said electrolyte, said additive including:
• a organosilicon backbone including at least one ethylene oxide (CH2CH2O) unit,
• at least two pyridinium groups bound to said backbone, said pyridinium groups each bound to at least one halogen ion or halogen-containing anion, and mixing together said additive, said polymeric material, said aprotic solvent and said salt.