Liquid Electrolytes: Some Theoretical and Practical Aspects

Abstract

The basic requirements of a suitable electrolyte for electrochemical devices are high ionic conductivity, low melting and high boiling points, chemical and electrochemical stability, and safety. Electrolyte conductivity and electrochemical stability are key parameters in selecting an electrolyte for modern electrochemical devices such as advanced batteries, fuel cells, super-capacitors, sensors, and electrochromic displays. These parameters, conductivity and electrochemical stability, will receive particular attention in this chapter. Although progress has been made in enhancing the conductivity of solid electrolytes, particularly the polymeric ones, liquid electrolytes are still used in most electrochemical systems. The solvent properties, and dynamics of ion solvent interactions, must be understood in designing new electrolytes. In this chapter, a short but general introduction to properties of solvents and ion-solvent dynamics is discussed.