ELECTROLYTE ADDITIVES FOR IMPROVING ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL PERFORMANCE

An electrochemical cell is described herein, which comprises an anode, cathode and liquid electrolyte, as well as a rechargeable alkali metal ion battery comprising at least one such electrochemical cell. The anode comprises an alkali metal and/or a conductive solid suitable for deposition of the alkali metal thereupon; the cathode comprises a substance capable of reversibly absorbing and releasing ions of the alkali metal; and the liquid electrolyte comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a nanoparticle dispersed in the liquid electrolyte and a polymer dissolved and/or dispersed in the liquid electrolyte. Further described herein is a process for preparing the electrochemical cell by contacting the liquid electrolyte with the cathode and/or said conductive solid, wherein the conductive solid is substantially devoid of the alkali metal, or the conductive solid is coated with a layer of the alkali metal.