Gamma ray degradation of electrolytes containing alkylcarbonate solvents and a lithium salt

Lithium-ion batteries for space applications, such as satellites, are subjected to cosmic radiations, in particular, γ-irradiation. In this study, the effects of this radiation on electrolytes and their components used in the lithium-ion batteries are investigated. The conductivity and viscosity of the samples have been measured before and after the irradiation. The modifications are evaluated by spectral analyses such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H and 13C NMR), solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography (SPME-GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). The experimental results show that only the samples containing vinylene carbonate and/or the lithium salt LiPF6 are degraded by γ-radiation.