Sol-Rite™
Definition
Sol-Rite™ is a proprietary family of non‑aqueous, organic liquid electrolytes developed and supplied by Mitsubishi Chemical Group for lithium‑ion rechargeable batteries. Certain grades are also formulated for lithium primary batteries and for organic electrolytes used in aluminum electrolytic capacitors. Typical Li‑ion formulations combine carbonate‑based solvents (for example, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate) with a lithium salt such as LiPF6 and tailored performance additives; exact compositions and targets vary by grade and application.
Key properties or functions
- High ionic conductivity across a wide temperature range to support high power and fast charging.
- Interface control: additive packages that promote robust SEI (solid‑electrolyte interphase) and CEI (cathode–electrolyte interphase) formation, limiting side reactions, impedance growth, and gas generation.
- High‑voltage stability compatible with modern high‑energy cathodes while maintaining capacity retention.
- Safety‑oriented behavior, including reduced gas evolution and improved thermal/oxidative stability relative to unadditized baselines; supports cell designs aimed at mitigating ignition risk.
- Durability and calendar life: suppression of electrolyte decomposition and transition‑metal dissolution contributes to longer cycle life and storage stability.
- Low‑temperature operability via solvent and additive balance that maintains conductivity and acceptable viscosity at sub‑ambient temperatures.
- Customizability: solvent ratios, salt concentration, and additive chemistries are tuned for specific needs (fast charge, low‑temperature use, high‑voltage operation, long life, silicon‑containing anodes, etc.).
- High‑purity manufacturing and strict moisture/acid control to minimize formation of corrosive species (for example, HF) and improve consistency.
Relevance
- Automotive and mobility batteries: used in EV/HEV/PHEV traction cells to help deliver high energy and power density, improved safety margins, and extended lifetime.
- Energy storage and electronics: suitable for stationary storage systems and portable/industrial Li‑ion batteries where reliability across temperature and duty cycles is critical.
- Capacitors and primary batteries: certain Sol‑Rite™ grades are applied in lithium primary cells and in organic electrolytes for aluminum electrolytic capacitors.
Example/synonyms or related terms
- Brand owner: Mitsubishi Chemical Group (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation).
- Product type: non‑aqueous lithium‑ion battery electrolyte; organic solvent‑based electrolyte.
- Related terms: carbonate‑based electrolyte, LiPF6 electrolyte, electrolyte additives (film‑formers, gas suppressants, overcharge protectants).
- Note: Sol‑Rite™ is a proprietary brand name for electrolytes; it is not a generic term for solar‑reflective materials or coatings.
Further information
Supplier technical data typically include conductivity versus temperature, viscosity, density, electrochemical stability window, flash point, water/acid content, and cell‑level performance indicators such as gas generation and capacity retention under high‑voltage or high‑temperature conditions. Safety data sheets cover hazard classification and transport for flammable liquids. Compliance information (for example, REACH/TSCA registration and RoHS status), packaging, and handling guidance are specified per grade. Selection is made with the cell manufacturer to match electrodes, separator, operating voltage, and target usage profile; Sol‑Rite™ is offered as part of an integrated battery‑materials portfolio.
Typical applications
- EV, PHEV, and HEV traction batteries using NMC/NCA and LFP chemistries.
- Lithium‑ion batteries for consumer, industrial, and stationary energy‑storage systems.
- Lithium primary batteries requiring long shelf life and stable operation.
- Aluminum electrolytic capacitors for industrial and automotive electronics.