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Synthesis of Ionic Liquid Based Electrolytes, Assembly of Li-ion Batteries, and Measurements of Performance at High Temperature
Published on: December 20, 2016
A pyrrolidinium nitrate protic ionic liquid-based electrolyte for very low-temperature electrical double-layer
Mérièm Anouti1, Laure Timperman
1Université François Rabelais, Laboratoire PCM2E, Parc de Grandmont, 37200 Tours, France. meriem.anouti@univ-tours.fr
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|March 28, 2013
Summary
This study introduces a novel electrolyte mixture for supercapacitors, utilizing pyrrolidinium nitrate and gamma butyrolactone. This formulation enables high performance and stable operation at extreme temperatures, advancing energy storage solutions.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Protic ionic liquids (PILs) offer unique properties for electrochemical applications.
- Developing electrolytes for extreme temperature operation is crucial for advanced energy storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of a pyrrolidinium nitrate ([Pyrr][NO3]) and gamma butyrolactone (γ-BL) mixture as a low-temperature electrolyte for supercapacitors.
- To optimize the electrolyte composition for enhanced conductivity and electrochemical performance.
Main Methods:
- Thermal and transport properties of the [Pyrr][NO3]/γ-BL mixture were evaluated across a temperature range of -40 °C to 80 °C.
- Electrochemical characterization was performed using activated carbon electrodes to assess capacitance, cycling stability, and voltage window.
- Viscosity and conductivity measurements were conducted to determine optimal composition.
Main Results:
- An optimal electrolyte composition with a 0.6 molar fraction of γ-BL was identified, exhibiting Newtonian behavior and low viscosity (5 mPa s at 25 °C).
- The optimized electrolyte demonstrated high conductivity (65 mS cm⁻¹ at 80 °C) and significant residual conductivity at -40 °C (9 mS cm⁻¹).
- Supercapacitors using this electrolyte showed good cycling performance from 50 °C to -40 °C, achieving capacitance up to 132 F g⁻¹ at room temperature and a 2.0 V window.
Conclusions:
- The [Pyrr][NO3]/γ-BL electrolyte system demonstrates exceptional performance at very low temperatures (-40 °C), with high specific capacitance (117 F g⁻¹) and rapid charge-discharge capabilities.
- This environmentally friendly electrolyte formulation is highly promising for advancing energy storage systems operating under extreme cold conditions.
- The study highlights the potential of PIL-based electrolytes for robust supercapacitor applications in challenging thermal environments.
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