The present invention relates to non-aqueous electrolytes having electrode
stabilizing additives, stabilized electrodes, and electrochemical devices
containing the same. Thus the present invention provides electrolytes
containing an alkali metal salt, a polar aprotic solvent, and an
electrode stabilizing additive. In some embodiments the additives include
a substituted or unsubstituted cyclic or spirocyclic hydrocarbon
containing at least one oxygen atom and at least one alkenyl or alkynyl
group. When used in electrochemical devices with, e.g., lithium manganese
oxide spinel electrodes or olivine or carbon-coated olivine electrodes,
the new electrolytes provide batteries with improved calendar and cycle
life.