Ionic Electrolytes for Energy Storage Applications
Summary
Ionic electrolytes encompass a class of materials in which electrical conduction is achieved through the transport of ions rather than electrons. These media range from liquid salts at ambient temperature to quasi-solid and fully solid matrices, each offering a distinct balance of ionic conductivity, mechanical robustness and safety. In conventional lithium-ion cells, liquid carbonate-based electrolytes remain prevalent due to their high conductivity, but they pose risks of leakage, flammability and limited electrochemical window. To address these challenges, research has advanced towards ionic liquids—salts that are liquid at room temperature—solid polymer and ceramic electrolytes, and hybrid ionogels that immobilise ionic liquids within polymeric networks. Such systems offer enhanced thermal stability, reduced volatility and tailored interfacial properties that suppress dendrite formation and extend cycle life. Beyond lithium, sodium and multivalent systems have also benefited from ionic electrolyte innovations, driven by resource abundance and cost considerations. Progress in formulation, interface engineering and materials characterisation underpins a global effort to deploy safer, higher-energy and longer-lived devices for electric vehicles, grid storage and portable electronics.
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Ionic Electrolytes for Energy Storage Applications publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in ionic electrolytes for energy storage applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Ionic electrolyte: A medium in which electrical conduction occurs via the movement of ions rather than electrons.
Ionic liquid: A salt in the liquid state at or near room temperature, characterised by negligible vapour pressure and wide electrochemical stability.
Solid-state electrolyte: A non-liquid ion-conductive material, often ceramic or polymer, offering enhanced safety and minimal leakage.
Ionogel: A hybrid material in which an ionic liquid is immobilised within a polymeric or inorganic framework, combining liquid-like conductivity with solid form.
Transference number: The proportion of total ionic current carried by a specific ion species, influencing rate capability and uniformity of ion transport.
References
- Thermal Warning and Shut‐down of Lithium Metal Batteries Based on Thermoresponsive Electrolytes. Advanced Science (2024).
- Solid-state electrolytes for safe rechargeable lithium metal batteries: a strategic view. Materials Futures (2023).
- Highly conductive ionogel electrolytes based on N-ethyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide FSI and NaFSI mixtures and their applications in sodium batteries. Journal of Physics Materials (2021).
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