Ionic Liquid-Based Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Application in Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

Depleting fossil fuels has put pressing need for the search of alternative energy resources. Solar and wind energy resources are being considered one of the viable solutions. However, these intermittent sources require efficient energy storage systems in terms of rechargeable Li batteries. In Li batteries, electrolyte is one of the most important components to determine the performance, as it conducts the ions between the electrodes. In battery, mostly liquid electrolyte is used as it shows high ionic conductivity and electrode/electrolyte contact which help to reduce the internal resistance. But these are not electrochemically very stable and raised some major problems such as reactivity with electrode, dissolution of electrode ions, leakage, volatility, fast Li dendrite growth, etc. Therefore, in order to improve its electrochemical performance, selection of electrolyte is an important issue. In the present study, ionic liquid (IL)-based polymer electrolyte is used over liquid electrolyte in which IL acts as a plasticizer and improves ionic conductivity and amorphicity. These electrolytes have high thermal and electrochemical stability, therefore, can be used in high voltage Li battery. Also, their mechanical stability helps to suppress Li dendrites growth. Therefore, polymer electrolytes can open a new way in the progression of battery application.