The suitability of organic electrolyte systems for highly graphitized
carbon anodes has been discussed by considering the stability of cosol
vents included in ethylene carbonate-based electrolytes and the stabil
ity of lithium salts. The side-reaction and the film formation on the
graphitized anodes were found to affect the discharge capacity of the
graphitized anodes. With respect to the lithium salts, lithium bistrif
luoromethylsulfonyl imide offered high and stable capacity. Furthermor
e, the electrochemical behavior of a surface film on a lithium metal a
node was investigated at various operating temperatures. It was found
that the operating temperature during charge/discharge cycling influen
ces the morphology of the film on a lithium metal anode, resulting in
the variation in charge/discharge coulombic efficiency of a lithium me
tal anode. The results are discussed in view of the stability of elect
rolyte solutions and the film formation between the negative electrode
and the organic electrolyte solution. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.