Nonaqueous electrolyte solutions: New materials for devices and processes based on recent applied research

Abstract

In order to improve the performance of electrochemical devices or processes, information is needed on the behaviour and the properties of all components including the ion-conducting material, the electrolyte. Electrolytes may be classified into liquid and solid electrolytes. Liquid electrolytes include aqueous and nonaqueous solutions, molten salts, and solid polymer electrolytes consisting of a solvating polymer and a salt. The large number of solvents, salts, and additives generally allows the optimisation of the properties of liquid electrolyte for a given task, when based on information about its bulk and intrinsic properties. Applied and basic research on nonaqueous electrolyte solutions have catalysed progress in the development of competitive devices and processes, especially lithium batteries or wet capacitors and electrodeposition or electrosynthesis. Based on recent knowledge various new suitable ion-conducting materials have been developed extending the range of realised or future applications. © 1995 IUPAC