Liquid Structure and Ion Transport in Ionic Liquids

Ionic Liquids are liquid salts that have remarkable physical properties such as thermal and electrochemical stability, non-flammability, and negligible volatility, which render them ideal solvents, catalysts, and electrolytes in various processes. This study aims to introduce a control knob for liquid structure and ion dynamics in ionic liquids. This tailoring approach may lead to the realization of safer batteries with nonflammable electrolytes operable at temperatures beyond the range of traditional electrolytes and within extremely reductive or oxidative environments such as high-energy density lithium metal batteries where all other electrolytes fail.

Significance of Ion Solvation Structure

Partial solvation of asolute ion by different counter ions and ligand exchanges impact the solvation structure and ion transport in ionic liquid mixtures. The rigidity of this solvated ion shell and the ability of the ion to move with its solvation shell versus jumping out to the neighboring site ultimately impact the rate capability in a rechargable battery: that is how fast we can charge and discharge the battery.

ILs for safer batteries

ILs offer promise in regards to safety; however require improvement in conductivity. Thanks to their flexible ion structure and pairing, their physicohemical properties are tunable.