Ionic Liquids Boron Cluster Anions Low Volatility Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new ionic liquids with good dissociation properties and ionic conductivity, particularly for use in high-temperature electrochemical cells, where existing solutions lack volatility and efficient preparation methods.
Innovation Solution
The development of ionic liquids with a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium cation and a boron cluster anion, synthesized through a salt metathesis reaction, which includes purification steps such as adsorption and vacuum treatment, resulting in electrolytes with low melting temperatures and high ionic conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ionic liquids are used as electrolyte solvents in electrochemical cells, then volatility is reduced to negligible levels, but ionic conductivity and dissociation properties need improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the ionic liquid by selecting specific cation combinations (ammonium, phosphonium, sulfonium, or carbenium ions) with particular structural characteristics. This parameter optimization enables the ionic liquid to achieve both low volatility and high ionic conductivity, resolving the technical contradiction between these two properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite ionic liquid structures by combining different types of cations (ammonium, phosphonium, sulfonium, or carbenium) with appropriate anions. This composite approach allows the electrolyte to simultaneously exhibit negligible volatility from the ionic liquid structure and high ionic conductivity through optimized cation composition, thus resolving the contradiction between these opposing requirements.
2Reliability
If new ionic liquids with good dissociation properties are developed, then ionic conductivity improves, but preparation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the preparation process into distinct, manageable steps: (1) forming the ionic liquid from selected cations and anions, (2) removing solvent, and (3) drying under vacuum. This segmentation simplifies the overall preparation complexity while maintaining good dissociation properties, as each step can be independently optimized and controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The ionic liquid preparation method utilizes self-service principles where the salt metathesis reaction naturally produces the ionic liquid product, and subsequent solvent removal and vacuum drying are straightforward processes that require minimal additional intervention. This approach achieves good dissociation properties without significantly increasing preparation complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting ionic liquids exhibit low melting temperatures and excellent dissociation properties, supporting high ionic conductivity and stability in electrochemical cells, such as Li-ion, Mg, and Na cells, facilitating efficient energy storage and release.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salt with a boron cluster salt to form the ionic liquid via a salt metathesis reaction
Implementation Method 2
contacting the ionic liquid with an adsorbent
Implementation Method 3
contacting the ionic liquid with a highly water-reactive metal
Implementation Method 4
placing the ionic liquid under vacuum at a temperature up to 100° C.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrolytes and electrochemical cells include a novel ionic liquid having a quaternary cation and a boron cluster anion. In some versions, the boron cluster anion will be a functionalized or unfunctionalized icosahedral boranyl or carboranyl anion. Electrochemical cells have an electrolyte including the ionic liquid. In some versions, the ionic liquid is used as a solvent to dissolve an ionic shuttle salt for transport of active material, with an optional co-solvent. Methods to synthesize the ionic liquid include contacting a boron cluster salt with a quaternary salt to form the ionic liquid by a metathesis reaction.