Ionic Liquid Solvent Research Articles

Honeycomb-Type TiO2 Films Toward a High Tolerance to Optical Paths for Perovskite Solar Cells.

Given the advantages of high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), antisolvent-step free production, and suitability for device production in ambient conditions, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on ionic-liquid solvents have attained particular research interest. To further improve device performance, light management could be optimized to increase light harvesting in the perovskite layer. Here, ordered honeycomb-like TiO2 (Hc-TiO2 ) structures with a periodicity of around 450 nm were fabricated through a sacrificial template method. With this photonic crystal structure, the control to light flow and the confinement effect for perovskite growth were achieved simultaneously in the Hc-TiO2 , leading to improved light absorption as well as preferred crystal orientation. Furthermore, a reduced trap-state density and a well-aligned energy level induced by the perovskite/pore interlayer facilitated the charge-carrier extraction from the perovskite layer to electron transport layer. As a result, the structured devices performed better than the planar cells. And the angular dependent J-V sweeps show that the structured device reserved 76 % of its initial short circuit current density (Jsc ), whereas the planar cell showed more than a half loss under the incident light of 40°, demonstrating a reduced downward trend in Jsc with the presence of photonic crystal structures. This occurrence also suggests that the structured PSCs in this work have a high tolerance to optical path changes.

Intrinsically safe electrolyte boosting high reversibleZn anode for rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable Zn batteries (RZBs) have been one of the hot topics in the field of electrochemical power sources due to their low cost and non-toxicity. However, Zn anode is still a critical issue that seriously affects RZBs practical applications mainly due to its thermodynamic instability with aqueous electrolytes. To solve the inherent disadvantages of traditional electrolytes, it's necessary to develop highly stable and intrinsically safe electrolytes for long-cycle-life RZBs. Herein, the functionalized ionic liquid and urea-based safe organic solvents are adopted to adjust the electrochemical performances of Zn metal anodes, leading to high Columbic efficiency (CE) of over 99.4% along with long cycle life of over 1200 h at 2.0 mA cm−2, even survive at 5.0 mA cm−2 as well as the large areal capacity of 10 mAh cm−2, where interface derived from ionic liquid effectively accelerates the Zn nucleation, ensures smooth deposit and alleviates side reactions. The combination of organic electrolytes with multi-functional additives might pave the way to develop thermodynamically stable and intrinsically safe electrolytes for practical RZBs.

Aryltriazenes as Coupling Partners in the Hiyama, Hiyama‐Suzuki and Hiyama‐Heck Cross‐Coupling Reactions Using Conventional and Ionic Liquid Reagents and Solvents

AbstractApplication of conventional and ionic liquid (IL) solvents and reagents in the Hiyama cross‐coupling reactions using triazenes as coupling partners was investigated. The microwave‐assisted and Pd‐catalyzed reactions in ROH/HBF4, ROH/BF3 ⋅ Et2O and in [BMIM][X]/[BMIM(SO3H)][OTf]/[BMIM][F] proved effective and gave respectable isolated yields within minutes. The scope of the Hiyama coupling reaction with triazenes was investigated in these media. The IL reagents and solvents were successfully employed to develop stepwise and sequential/tandem Hiyama‐Suzuki (H−S) and Hiyama‐Heck (H−H) methods. Study of the scope of these transformations led to facile synthesis of libraries of biaryls, hetero‐biaryls, diphenylmethanes, styryl‐biphenyls, and a host of biphenyl‐appended heterocycles. The potential for the recycling/reuse of the IL solvents in the Hiyama reaction, and in stepwise and sequential transformations was also examined.

Ionic Liquid-Mediated Route to Atomic Layer Deposition of Tin(II) Oxide via a C-C Bond Cleavage Ligand Modification Mechanism.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a technologically important method to grow thin films with high conformality and excellent thickness control from vapor phase precursors. The development of new thermal ALD processes can be limited by precursor reactivity and stability: reaction temperature and precursor design are among the few variables available to achieve higher reactivity in gas-phase reactions, unlike in solution synthesis, where the use of solvent and/or a catalyst can promote a desired reaction. To bridge this synthesis gap between vapor-phase and solution-phase, we demonstrate the use of an ultrathin coating layer of a vapor phase-compatible solvent─an ionic liquid (IL)─on our growth substrate to perform ALD of SnO. Successful SnO deposition is achieved using tin acetylacetonate and water, a process that otherwise would require a stronger counter-reactant such as ozone. The presence of the layer of IL allows a solvent-mediated reaction mechanism to take place on the growth substrate surface. We report a growth per cycle of 0.67 Å/cycle at a deposition temperature of 100 °C in an IL comprising 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate. Characterization of the ALD films confirms the SnO film composition, and 1H and 13C NMR are used to probe the solvent-mediated ALD reaction, suggesting a solvent-mediated addition-elimination-type mechanism which breaks a C-C bond in acetylacetonate to form acetone and acetate. Density functional theory calculations show that the IL solvent is beneficial to the proposed solvent-mediated mechanism by lowering the C-C bond cleavage energetics of acetylacetonate compared to the vapor phase. A general class of ligand modification reactions for thermal ALD is thus introduced in this work.

Triphase dynamic extraction system involved with ionic liquid and deep eutectic solvent for various bioactive constituents from Tartary buckwheat simultaneously

Friendly and highly efficient acquisition of multiple active components from foods is always of great interest. For synchronous extraction and separation flavonoids together with oil from Tartary buckwheat, a new triphase dynamic system was developed with magnetic nanofluid based on deep eutectic solvent (N888-Cl/lauric acid, 1:2) (liquid phase 1), ionic liquid ([C4mim]Br) aqueous solution (liquid phase 2) and raw material powders (solid phase). It was the first time that two types of green solvents were simultaneously applied and assisted by magnetic separation. Through the investigation on key properties and operational conditions of this system, the extraction efficiency of oil and flavonoids in liquid phase 1 and 2 was achieved as 35.29 and 41.17 mg/g respectively, which were higher than that of conventional ways. Then kinetic and thermodynamics mechanisms were discovered comprehensively. After targeted recovery, the spectral characterization and antioxidant activity of two products proved the effectiveness of the developed method.

Perovskite solar cells based on screen-printed thin films.

One potential advantage of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is the ability to solution process the precursors and deposit films from solution1,2. At present, spin coating, blade coating, spray coating, inkjet printing and slot-die printing have been investigated to deposit hybrid perovskite thin films3-6. Here we expand the range of deposition methods to include screen-printing, enabled by a stable and viscosity-adjustable (40-44,000 cP) perovskite ink made from a methylammonium acetate ionic liquid solvent. We demonstrate control over perovskite thin-film thickness (from about 120 nm to about 1,200 nm), area (from 0.5 × 0.5 cm2 to 5 × 5 cm2) and patterning on different substrates. Printing rates in excess of 20 cm s-1 and close to 100% ink use were achieved. Using this deposition method in ambient air and regardless of humidity, we obtained the best efficiencies of 20.52% (0.05 cm2) and 18.12% (1 cm2) compared with 20.13% and 12.52%, respectively, for the spin-coated thin films in normal devices with thermally evaporated metal electrodes. Most notably, fully screen-printing devices with a single machine in ambient air have been successfully explored. The corresponding photovoltaic cells exhibit high efficiencies of 14.98%, 13.53% and 11.80% on 0.05-cm2, 1.00-cm2 and 16.37-cm2 (small-module) areas, respectively, along with 96.75% of the initial efficiency retained over 300 h of operation at maximum power point.

Ultrasound‐promoted1,3‐dipolarcycloaddition of azomethine yields for synthesis of dispiropyrrolidineoxindole derivatives in hexyltriphenylphosphonium bromide as an ionic liquid, and the evaluation of their anti‐cancer activity

AbstractA green, effortless, and protective one‐pot three‐component process for the synthesis of derivatives using cycloadition catching azomethineylides in situ created by means of decarboxylative build‐up of sarcosine and isatin has been developed in hexyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (HTPB) as an ionic liquid and recyclable solvent in supreme yield without the use of a catalyst under ultrasonic irradiation. This method offers mild reaction conditions, excellent products yields in shorter reaction times, ease of operation and environmentally friendly process and high ragio and stereoselectivity. The anticancer activity of all new compounds has been investigated against four cell lines. Also, the structures were authenticated by both spectroscopic techniques and signal crystal X‐ray analysis.

Solvent Engineering of Ionic Liquids for Stable and Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

Solution‐processed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are widely and dramatically developed with certificated record efficiency up to 25.7%, which have been regarded as the most promising candidates for next‐generation photovoltaic devices. However, the current decent devices are dominantly fabricated based on traditional toxic organic solvents such as N,N‐dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide, which inevitably leads to environmental damage and potential safety accidents. As green and nontoxic molten salts at room temperature, ionic liquids (ILs) as promising alternatives for traditional toxic organic solvents have attracted intensive research interest worldwide in the field of perovskite photovoltaics with encouraging development. Herein, especially concentrating on ILs solvent engineering rather than additive or post‐treatment, discussion and summarization upon the recent progress on perovskite photovoltaics including both 3D and 2D‐based PSCs is systematically carried out. An in‐depth understanding regarding the interactions between IL molecules and perovskite precursor materials is thoroughly explored and summarized. Moreover, the detailed influence of ILs as solvent(s) on the aspects of perovskite material crystallization regulation, surface defect passivation, and performance improvement of resultant device is comprehensively overviewed and discussed. Finally, prospects of the application of ILs in the PSCs through solvent engineering are provided for further developments.

A state-of-the-art review on the liquid properties regarding energy and environmental performance in liquid desiccant air-conditioning systems

Liquid desiccant air-conditioning system (LDAS) becomes an attractive option for reducing the energy consumption of conventional air-conditioning systems. Despite lots of published papers on LDAS in various aspects, there is not yet a comprehensive and up-to-date review on the properties of liquid desiccants, while the selection of liquid desiccant plays essential role in the overall performance of LDAS. In this paper, a state-of-the-art review on the properties in regard of energy and environmental performance is delivered for present and potential liquid desiccants, including vapor–liquid equilibrium, specific heat capacity, safety concerns. The current situations and future concerns of liquid desiccant investigation can be obtained, while different kinds of liquid desiccant candidates can be compared and evaluated comprehensively. Existing liquid desiccant of halide salt faces severe drawback of corrosiveness in long-term use. Compared with existing liquid desiccants, the candidates of weak acid salt, ionic liquid and deep eutectic solvent behave low toxicity and friendly corrosiveness, whereas their weak moisture absorption ability, high cost or high viscosity is the bottleneck for further applications. Therefore, the mixture of them can be regarded as a promising candidate in LDAS applications, but the fundamental properties are urged to be measured. The work in this paper provides momentous reference and guidance for the exploration of new liquid desiccant as well as the evaluation of future prospect of LDAS.

Poly (Vinylidene Difluoride) Polymer in 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Acetate and Acetic Acid Containing Solvents: Tunable and Recoverable Solvent Media to Induce Crystalline Phase Transition and Porosity

In this report, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, [EMIM][AcO] ionic liquid (IL) and acetic acid (AA) comprised solvents were used for the thermal treatment of poly (vinylidene difluoride), PVDF. Here, besides the various combinations of IL and AA in solvents, the pure IL and AA were also applied as a solvent upon thermal treatments. The samples obtained after the treatment were analysed for structural and crystalline phase changes, porosity, and molecular weight distribution with various analytical techniques. The Kamlet-Taft parameters measurement of the IL and AA containing solvents with different solvatochromic dyes was also performed to examine their solvent properties and correlate with the properties of the treated PVDF materials. The treatment of PVDF with pure IL results in the formation of highly carbonaceous material due to extensive dehydroflurination (DHF) as well as possibly successive cross-linking in the polymer chains. Upon IL and AA combined solvent treatment, the neat PVDF which composed of both α- and β crystalline phases was transformed to porous and β-phase rich material whereas in case of pure AA the non-porous and pure α-phase polymeric entity was obtained. A combined mixture of IL and AA resulted in a limited the DHF process and subsequent cross-linking in the polymer chains of PVDF allowed the formation of a porous material. It was observed that the porosity of the thermally treated materials was steadily decreasing with increase in the amount of AA in solvents composition and solvent with an AA:IL mole ratio of 2:1 resulted in a PVDF material with the highest porosity amongst the applied solvents. A recovery method for the IL and AA combined solvent after the thermal treatment of PVDF was also established. Hence, with varying the type of solvents in terms of composition, the highly carbonaceous materials as well as materials with different porosities as well as crystalline phases can be obtained. Most importantly here, we introduced new IL and AA containing recoverable solvents for the synthesis of porous PVDF material with the electroactive β-phase.

Tailoring the self-assembly of lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystalline mesophases with biocompatible ionic liquid aqueous solutions

Interest in lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNPs) as drug delivery vehicles continues to grow, owing to their unique structural features. The structure of these particles can be controlled to suit specific applications, through tailoring the lipid composition and solvent conditions. Ionic liquids (ILs) are liquid salts comprising tailorable cations and anions, of which some are known to support the self-assembly of amphiphiles, and hence can be used as designer solvents for LCNPs. We employed dynamic light scattering, small angle X-ray scattering, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy to examine the particle size and lyotropic liquid crystalline mesophase behavior of monoolein (MO)-based LCNPs in aqueous solutions containing 13 choline ILs with a selection of amino acid and carboxylate anions at 6 concentrations 20, 10, 5, 1, 0.33, and 0.16 wt%. Our results show the formation of LCNPs with various liquid crystalline nanostructures, including the inverse bicontinuous primitive cubic (Q2) phase with the Im3m crystallographic space group, the inverse hexagonal (H2), and the inverse discontinuous micellar cubic (I2) phases. The internal nanostructures of the MO nanoparticles depended on three main factors, the anion of the ILs, the IL concentration, and the pH of the solution. This study elucidates the potential application of IL solvents as a powerful tool to tailor the internal nanostructure of MO-based LCNPs, and advances the exploration of IL-enabled responsive LCNPs systems as prospective nanocarriers.

Rapidly Deformable Vitrimer Epoxy System with Supreme Stress‐Relaxation Capabilities via Coordination of Solvate Ionic Liquids

AbstractVitrimer epoxy, capable of stress‐relaxation, has gathered attention for its ability to counter the brittleness and rigidity of thermosets. However, to date, only two strategies are proposed to address the high enthalpic barrier of a dynamic exchange reaction using high dosages of external catalysts or niche moieties as internal catalysts. Herein, solvate ionic liquids (SILs) are incorporated into commercial epoxy‐based vinylogous urethane (VU) vitrimers. During curing, the SILs facilitate epoxy ring‐opening and amine‐addition reactions, significantly reducing gel times. Furthermore, after network formation, the SILs accelerate transamination reaction within the VU networks at a dosage of only 0.5–2 mol%. This can be attributed to their high miscibilities and Lewis acidic characters, which significantly reduce the activation energy of transamination (24 kJ mol−1) in the SIL‐incorporated vitrimer. Thus, a high‐performing vitrimer epoxy is prepared, featuring a glassy modulus (>109 Pa) at room temperature and an extremely short stress‐relaxation time (≈19 s) at 160 °C. Moreover, a soft encapsulation approach is demonstrated using the vitrimer epoxy, proving the possibility of a simultaneous deformable (bent) encapsulation, reduced warpage of a flexible printed circuit board, and selective removal of encapsulants.

Role of Anions in 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Solvation in Ionic Liquids from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

AbstractThe proper selection of solvents for biomass upgrading is a crucial task as it should carefully balance the enhancement of reactivity with a facile product recovery. A challenging case is the conversion of glucose and fructose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Ionic liquids (ILs) are often employed to boost the activity and selectivity of this process, although the isolation of HMF from the medium remains a major drawback. To investigate such solvent effects in a realistic (dynamic) environment, classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of HMF are performed in imidazolium‐based ILs with different anions. Several parameters are identified that directly control HMF–anion interactions, which may hamper product separation, as well as HMF–HMF contacts, which can promote undesired side‐reactions. These computational results would guide future high‐throughput screenings of new and improved IL media.

Development of New Borate-Based Lithium Ionic Liquid for Next Generation Lithium-Ion Battery

Solvate ionic liquids (SILs), which consist of a solvate ion and its counter ion, are expected as the electrolyte for the new generation Lithium-ion batteries [1]. Li-glymes SIL is an equimolar mixture of lithium salts and glyme of an oligoether such as triglyme and tetraglyme (Gn: CH3O-(CH2CH2O) n -CH3, n = 3 and 4). Li-glymes SIL shows favorable liquid properties like ordinary aprotic ionic liquids; negligible vapor pressure, practically non-inflammability, ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability, and so on. Watanabe et al. [2] have proposed that the specific Li+ ion hopping conduction occurs in the Li-glymes SIL. In Lithium-ion batteries with Li-glymes SIL, the desolvated Li+ ions are intercalated into graphite electrode, however, the co-intercalation of Li+ ion and glyme into the electrode occurs in the battery using the excess glyme electrolyte solution [3]. This suggests that the solvent activity affects the electrode reaction. In the present study, we prepared lithium ionic liquids with oligoether chains (Figure 1) and measured those physical and electrochemical properties.Infrared spectroscopic (IR) measurements were carried out to identify the prepared lithium ionic liquids. An intense peak, which cannot be observed in the IR spectra of the raw materials, appears in approximately 1000 cm-1. This peak is attributable to B-O vibration mode, suggesting that the lithium ionic liquids are synthesized. We here define the new lithium ionic liquids as LiB(Gn)4 (n = 3 or 4). The ionic conductivities of LiB(G3)4 and Li(B4)4 are 0.20 and 0.37 mS cm-1, respectively. In addition, Li+ ion transport number is approximately 0.5 for both LiB(G3)4 and Li(B4)4., which is higher than that of electrolyte solution used in a commercial lithium-ion battery. This suggests that Li+ ion hopping conduction may occur via the exchange among glymes which are side chain of anion.

Development and Optimization of Composite Cathode Materials for Use with Thin-Film Glassy Solid Electrolytes in Solid-State Batteries

The electrochemical properties and thermal behavior of thin-film glassy solid electrolytes (GSE) in the [Li2S - SiS2 - LiPO3] system make them viable candidates for inclusion in solid-state batteries. To properly assess these electrolytes in the full-cell format, compatible composite cathode materials must be developed. These materials must be electronically and ionically conductive, and form a stable interface in contact with the GSE. A composite blend of redox-active lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), a mixed-oxy-sulfide glassy electrolyte, carbon nanotubes, a lithium solvate ionic liquid (SIL), and styrene butadiene rubber binder (SBR) was utilized to create the cathode material. Mixing time and order of component mixing were controlled in order to optimize for ionic and electronic conductivities within the bulk composite powder. With the addition of the SIL and SBR, a composite cathode blend capable of stably cycling in contact with the GSE was created.

Mechanism of cellulose regeneration from its ionic liquid solution as revealed by infrared spectroscopy

Dissolution followed by regeneration is a typical processing route to cellulose, which triggers much attention in the research of regeneration mechanism, especially for the new solvent ionic liquids (ILs). It has been known that H-bond (HB) interaction between IL and anti-solvent through double diffusion triggers the cellulose regeneration. The structural change including H-bonds transformation mainly during regeneration process is still unclear, however. In the present work, a device for in situ characterization of infrared spectroscopy was set up to monitor the cellulose regeneration from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)/1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([Emim]Ac) solution. With the help of time-dependent infrared spectroscopy combined with two-dimensional spectral analysis, that is perturbation-correlation moving-window two-dimensional (PCMW2D) correlation spectroscopy and generalized two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS), the mechanism of cellulose regeneration from MCC/[Emim]Ac solution as water diffusion was revealed. We proposed a two-stage model. The diffusion of the free [Emim]Ac and water contributes to the structural changes occurred at the former stage. Water interacts with free IL to form HB W-IL in one hand, and with non-H bonded hydroxyl groups on cellulose to form HB C-W in another hand. HB C-IL is destroyed as water diffusion further at the later stage. Continuous HB C-W is constructed, accompanied by more HB W-IL formation between released anion of [Emim]Ac and water. No crystallization or aggregation of cellulose other than improved regularity of the chain arrangement is revealed by infrared spectroscopy. This study provides a new testing technique for the characterization of H-bonds structures of cellulose on the one hand. On the other hand, it is conductive to the in-depth understanding of the regeneration mechanism of cellulose in ionic liquid systems. 1. A device for in situ characterization of infrared spectroscopy was set up for the research on the cellulose regeneration from MCC/[Emim]Ac solution. 2. Two dimensional spectral analysis including perturbation-correlation moving-window two-dimensional (PCMW2D) correlation spectroscopy and generalized two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) was used to monitor the H-bonds changes during regeneration process. 3. The characteristic bands located at 3128, 3190, 3367, and 3557 cm −1 was assigned to the H-bonds between water (W), ionic liquid (IL), and cellulose (C), that is HB W-W , HB W-IL , HB C-IL , and HB C-W successfully. 3. A two-stage model involving destruction and reconstruction of H-bonds was proposed for the cellulose regeneration mechanism. HB C-W and HB W-IL are formed on the basis of the destruction of HB C-IL and HB W-W .

Microextraction of ampicillin from bovine milk using ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents prior to its chromatographic determination with ultraviolet and tandem mass spectrometry detection

Liquid-liquid microextraction procedures using ionic liquid (IL) and deep eutectic solvent (DES) as the new extractants for isolation of β-lactam antibiotic ampicillin (AMP) from milk samples were developed. In this purpose IL: 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate and DES: choline chloride-thymol (1:2) were used as the extraction medium. These green solvents are characterized by favorable solvating properties for a range of compounds. Ionic liquid was used as extractant in dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) connected with acetonitrile as disperser solvent while deep eutectic solvent was applied for liquid-liquid microextraction (LLME). The isolation parameters of ampicillin, namely, amount of extraction solvents, pH of milk sample, shaking and centrifugation time were optimized. The extracts were analyzed followed by liquid chromatographic method with ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) system for DLLME and LLME isolation procedures, respectively. The calibration curves were linear in the analyte concentration range of 1 . 10−7 mol L−1 (36.1 µg kg−1) – 1 . 10−4 mol L−1 (36127.0 µg kg−1) for IL-DLLME-HPLC-UV technique and 1 . 10−8 mol L−1 (3.6 µg kg−1) – 1 . 10−4 mol L−1 (36127.0 µg kg−1) for DES-LLME-LC-MS/MS method. The elaborated procedures were applied for the determination of ampicillin in the different milk samples.

NMR Study of Lithium Transport in Liquid-Ceramic Hybrid Solid Composite Electrolytes.

Despite their high conductivity, factors such as being fragile enough to face processing issues and interfacial incompatibility with lithium electrodes are some of the main drawbacks hindering the commercialization of inorganic (mainly oxide-based) solid electrolytes for use in all-solid-state lithium batteries. To this end, strategies such as the addition of solid polymer electrolytes have been proposed to improve the electrode-electrolyte interface. Hybrid electrolytes, which are usually composed of ceramic particles dispersed in a polymer, generally have a better affinity with electrodes and higher ionic conductivity than pure inorganic electrolytes. However, a significant downside of this strategy is that differences in lithium transportability between electrolyte layers can result in the formation of a high interfacial energy barrier across the cell. One strategy to ensure sufficient "wetting" of ceramics is to incorporate a liquid electrolyte directly into the solid inorganic electrolyte resulting in the formation of a hybrid liquid-ceramic electrolyte. To this end, liquid-ceramic hybrid electrolytes were prepared by adding LiG4TFSI, a solvate ionic liquid (SIL), to garnet, NASICON, and perovskite-type ceramic electrolytes. Although SIL addition resulted in increased ionic conductivity, comparisons between the pure SIL and the hybrid systems revealed that improvements were due to the SIL alone. A thorough investigation of the hybrid systems by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed little to no lithium exchange between the ceramic and the SIL. This confirms that lithium conductivity preferentially occurs through the SIL in these hybrid systems. The primary role of the ceramic is to provide mechanical strength.

High-Performance and Highly Safe Solvate Ionic Liquid-Based Gel Polymer Electrolyte by Rapid UV-Curing for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Utilizing ionic liquids (ILs) with low flammability as the precursor component for a gel polymer electrolyte is a smart strategy out of safety concerns. Solvate ionic liquids (SILs) consist of equimolar lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and tetraglyme, alleviating the main problems of high viscosity and low Li+ conductivity of conventional ILs. In this study, within a very short time of 30 s, a SIL turns immobile using efficient and controllable UV-curing with an ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate (ETPTA) network, forming a homogeneous SIL-based gel polymer electrolyte (SGPE) with enhanced thermal stability (216 °C), robust mechanical strength (compression modulus: 1.701 MPa), and high ionic conductivity (0.63 mS cm-1 at room temperature). A Li|SGPE|LiFePO4 cell demonstrates high charge/discharge reversibility and cycling stability with a capacity retention rate of 99.7% after 750 cycles and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.7%, owing to its excellent electrochemical compatibility with Li-metal. A close-contact electrode/electrolyte interface is formed by in situ curing of the electrolyte on the electrode surface, which enables the pouch full cell to work stably under the conditions of cutting/bending. In view of the excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrochemical performances of SGPE, it is believed to be a promising gel polymer electrolyte for constructing high-safety lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).

Efficient Biomass Pretreatment Process Based on the Simple Reuse of a Low-Viscosity Ionic-Liquid Solvent System

Ionic liquids (ILs) are expensive, so it is necessary to reuse ILs; however, the reuse process is cumbersome as antisolvents are added and evaporated to regenerate ILs after each biomass pretreatment. Increasing the treatment capacity of biomass before regenerating ILs is desired; however, the high treatment capacity of biomass before IL regeneration and high lignin removal rate are a contradiction in terms. In this paper, a solution was proposed that includes pretreating biomass with a binary system composed of low-viscosity IL 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazole tetrafluoroborate ([Emim][BF4]) and l-arginine (Arg). It was shown that Arg could promote lignin dissolution and inhibit cellulose degradation in [Emim][BF4]. The system could be reused just by vacuum filtration after pretreatment without using antisolvents. After using [Emim][BF4]–Arg five times, the cumulative treatment capacity of corn straw reached 20.55%, while the total removal rate of lignin (84.94%) and the total yield of cellulose (93.23%) remained high. This method is of great significance for the industrial application of biomass pretreatment using ILs.