Title : Exploring ionic liquids: A pathway to sustainable energy storage
Abstract:
The depletion of fossil fuel reserves has reinforced the urgency for alternative energy sources, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy production. Transitioning to renewable energy not only mitigates the adverse effects of climate change but also facilitates a shift toward a low-carbon economy by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To effectively harness renewable energy, the development of advanced electrochemical energy storage devices—such as rechargeable batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells—is crucial.
Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as highly promising electrolytes for these energy storage systems due to their distinctive properties, including low flammability, negligible vapor pressure, high ionic conductivity, and wide electrochemical stability. The extensive range of cations and anions available in ILs provides nearly limitless combinations, enabling the customization of electrolytes for specific applications. In practice, these solvents are often doped with electrochemically active salts to enhance their performance.
A comprehensive understanding of the thermophysical and transport properties of ILs and their mixtures is essential for characterizing these electrolytes, as it determines optimal operating temperature ranges and ensures electrochemical stability. Furthermore, systematically analyzing the influence of salts on the electrolyte-electrode interface, particularly regarding the structure of the electrical double layer (EDL), is vital for developing effective electrolyte mixtures. Finally, ecotoxicological assessments were conducted to evaluate the impact of ILs across various trophic levels, emphasizing their environmental safety and suitability for sustainable energy storage solutions.
