Electrically conductive functional composites

The challenge

Nowadays, excessive emission of greenhouse gases appears to be one of the most concerning causes of global warming. A promising solution to this problem is the electrification of the transportation industry, having a significant contribution to the production of carbon dioxide (CO2). Although electric vehicles (EV) become more popular for public and private use, they are still far from being easily affordable for all. One of the reasons for their high costs is the expensive production and maintenance of the batteries.

The solution

This project is dedicated to corroborating the cost-effective production method of ionic liquid (IL)-based electrolytes, where the main disadvantages of these solvents, namely high maintenance costs and the need for rigorous purification, are turned into a source of their attractive properties. Production of a polymer:IL:H2O composite in the vacuum environment is selected for a proof-of-concept study, showing the change in its electrochemical behaviour, due to the presence of vacuum-induced characteristic arrangement of the IL and water molecules within the solvent network.

Corroborating the cost-effective production method of ionic liquid (IL)-based electrolytes, where the main disadvantages of these solvents, namely high maintenance costs and the need for rigorous purification, are turned into a source of their attractive properties.