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Electrolyte chemistry is the primary limiting factor for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries, especially for energy storage and electric vehicle applications. Currently, electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries are composed chiefly of organic carbonate solvents mixed with a lithium salt for ionic conductivity. While these electrolytes efficiently convey lithium-ions from one electrode to the other during operation and recharging, they suffer from several intrinsic flaws. The fundamental flaws of current lithium-ion battery electrolytes (mostly LiPF6 salt dissolved in a mixture of organic carbonate solvents) are as follows:

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1. Loss of useful power after multiple charge/discharge cycles due to heat build-up

2. Irreversible material decomposition of the electrolyte and loss of soluble lithium

3. Potential safety issues from thermal runaway

4. Increased safety and energy density requirements for large lithium-ion cell packs for electric vehicle and storage cells

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NDE solves these problems by replacing the organic electrolytes with phosphazene-based inorganic electrolytes. The company has refined and tested the process for replacing up to 25% of the organic compounds with plans to increase the number to 100% in a subsequent development phase. The company monitors publicly available information and patent filings for competing companies targeting a similar path for battery chemistry. To date, NDE has not discovered any similar claims