Rajendra Kumar Singh

By Himani Gupta and Rajendra K. Singh

Depleting fossil fuels has put pressing need for the search of alternative energy resources. Solar and wind energy resources are being considered one of the viable solutions. However, these intermittent sources require efficient energy storage systems in terms of rechargeable Li batteries. In Li batteries, electrolyte is one of the most important components to determine the performance, as it conducts the ions between the electrodes. In battery, mostly liquid electrolyte is used as it shows high ionic conductivity and electrode/electrolyte contact which help to reduce the internal resistance. But these are not electrochemically very stable and raised some major problems such as reactivity with electrode, dissolution of electrode ions, leakage, volatility, fast Li dendrite growth, etc. Therefore, in order to improve its electrochemical performance, selection of electrolyte is an important issue. In the present study, ionic liquid (IL)-based polymer electrolyte is used over liquid electrolyte in which IL acts as a plasticizer and improves ionic conductivity and amorphicity. These electrolytes have high thermal and electrochemical stability, therefore, can be used in high voltage Li battery. Also, their mechanical stability helps to suppress Li dendrites growth. Therefore, polymer electrolytes can open a new way in the progression of battery application.

Part of the book: Energy Storage Battery Systems

By Dipika Meghnani and Rajendra Kumar Singh

World is passing through the energy crises due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuels. To address this crisis and to fulfill the energy demands worldwide, development of energy storage devices have increased rapidly. Also, renewable energy resources are intermittent, and therefore nevertheless, this energy resources are not always available. In that context, rechargeable lithium batteries are most promising energy storage devices owing to high energy and power density. Although, the development of the component of rechargeable battery such as anode, cathode and electrolyte are in progress as they play major role in enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion battery. Among them, electrolyte plays crucial role as it provides the path for diffusion of Li+ ions between the electrodes. In that context, ionic liquid-based electrolytes are widely used as it acts as plasticizer and thus increases the conductivity of electrolyte considerably. In this chapter, we have discussed basics of ionic liquids and its application in electrolyte system. Also, in this chapter, we have discussed various properties of ionic liquid-based electrolytes and their application in rechargeable lithium battery.

Part of the book: Industrial Applications of Ionic Liquids