Sol-Rite™ electrolytes

Definition

Sol-Rite™ is a trademarked family of formulated, non-aqueous electrolytes developed by Mitsubishi Chemical (Mitsubishi Chemical Group) for lithium-based electrochemical devices. The line centers on liquid electrolytes for lithium‑ion secondary batteries and also includes grades for certain primary lithium batteries and aluminum electrolytic capacitors. Typical Li-ion formulations use organic carbonate solvents (e.g., ethylene carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate) and may include ether co‑solvents; lithium salts such as LiPF6 and, in some grades, LiFSI or LiTFSI; plus proprietary additive packages engineered to control interfacial chemistry and operating stability. Sol‑Rite™ is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Chemical Group.

Key properties and functions

Ionic transport: High lithium‑ion conductivity across a broad temperature range, tuned via solvent ratios, salt concentration, and viscosity control.
Interphase formation: Additives promote robust solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on anodes and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) on cathodes, improving cycle life and minimizing impedance rise.
High‑voltage stability: Formulations support operation with high‑voltage cathodes, suppress gas generation, and mitigate transition‑metal dissolution.
Low‑temperature performance: Solvent and additive design maintain conductivity and limit interfacial polarization at subzero temperatures.
Safety characteristics: Options with reduced flammability, lower exothermic reactivity, and components that scavenge moisture/HF to limit corrosive pathways.
Fast‑charge capability: Chemistry to suppress lithium plating and manage interfacial resistance under high C‑rates.
Durability: Resistance to solvent/salt decomposition and oxidative degradation for extended cycle and calendar life.
Compatibility: Tailored to a range of electrode chemistries (graphite, silicon–graphite, high‑Ni layered oxides, LFP; under development for lithium metal), separators (polyolefin, ceramic‑coated), binder systems, and cell formats (pouch, prismatic, cylindrical).

Composition and variants

Carbonate‑based liquid electrolytes are the core offering; select grades incorporate ether co‑solvents for low‑temperature or lithium‑metal‑oriented performance.
Additive classes commonly used include SEI formers (e.g., vinylene carbonate, fluoroethylene carbonate), CEI stabilizers (e.g., lithium difluorophosphate), gas suppressants, and moisture/HF scavengers.
Portfolio may include localized high‑concentration electrolyte (LHCE) concepts, flame‑retardant co‑solvent blends, and application‑specific or customer‑specific formulations.

Relevance

Electrolyte selection is a primary determinant of lithium‑ion battery safety, power capability, fast‑charging performance, low‑temperature operability, and lifetime. In EV/xEV traction batteries, Sol‑Rite™ electrolytes are positioned to enable higher energy density (e.g., high‑Ni cathodes, silicon‑rich anodes), expand usable temperature windows, suppress gas and impedance growth for pack‑level reliability, and meet demanding automotive duty cycles.

Typical applications

Rechargeable lithium‑ion batteries for electric, hybrid, and plug‑in hybrid vehicles; also applicable to stationary storage and other high‑energy or high‑power devices.
Select grades for primary lithium batteries requiring high reliability.
Tailored electrolyte formulations for aluminum electrolytic capacitors.

Further information

Specific compositions are proprietary. Datasheets typically specify conductivity versus temperature, viscosity, density, voltage stability window, flash point, recommended electrode chemistries, and shelf‑life/handling. Integration guidance commonly includes dry‑room processing, water content limits (ppm), storage and transport requirements, and compatibility notes for high‑voltage cathodes or silicon‑rich anodes.

Related terms

Formulated Li‑ion electrolyte; non‑aqueous battery electrolyte; carbonate‑based electrolyte; ether‑containing electrolyte; gel or locally gelled electrolyte (for select variants).