Ion regulation of ionic liquid electrolytes for supercapacitors

As a member of the liquid electrolyte family, ionic liquids (ILs) possess distinctive chemical and electrochemical stability, offering a pathway to realize supercapacitors (SCs) with both outstanding energy density and high safety. Nevertheless, the rapid development of IL based SCs is largely limited due to the high viscosity and poor ionic conductivity of ILs. One feasible solution, albeit challenging, is implementing ion regulation for IL electrolytes because of the highly adjustable nature of anions and cations. This paper provides an overview of the recent progress in ion regulation for IL-based SCs. We describe the energy storage mechanisms and ion regulation methods of IL electrolytes in electrical double-layer capacitors, with special emphasis on the effects of ion regulation to the electrochemical performance of electrode materials and devices. Moreover, we also discuss challenges in regulating IL-based electrolytes for SCs from personal perspectives, and give future possible directions for constructing superior IL-based electrolytes for the next generation of SCs.

Automated summary

As a member of the liquid electrolyte family, ionic liquids (ILs) are characterized by distinctive chemical and electrochemical stability, making them a promising candidate for high-performance supercapacitors (SCs). However, the high viscosity and poor ionic conductivity of ILs have hindered their rapid development in SC applications. One potential solution is ion regulation to modify IL electrolytes, leveraging the tunable nature of anions and cations. This paper provides an overview of recent advances in ion regulation for IL-based SCs, exploring the impact on energy storage mechanisms and electrochemical performance of electrode materials and devices. Additionally, it addresses the challenges and future directions for optimizing IL-based electrolytes in the next generation of SCs.