Importance of structures and interactions in ionic liquid-nanomaterial composite systems as a novel approach for their utilization in safe lithium metal batteries: A review

Ionic liquids are peculiar as a modern class of designable and tunable fluids, having a broad range of amazing and noticeable applications in various disciplines from industries to energy harvesting systems. Many researchers spotlight on the several ionic liquid based hybrid nano structures including colloidal dispersions, ionanofluids, ionic liquid surface-functionalized nanoparticles, long range ordered liquid crystals and micelles with advanced features as a result of coupled effect of several types of interactions present between their constituent molecules. The intension of this review study is to highlight the types of interactions (electrostatic, van der Waals, steric, hydrogen bonding and solvation) which are responsible for stabilization of these composite structures and materials. The better understanding of nanoparticles stability in ionic liquids and their structuring would help the researchers to develop improved quality nanomaterials. Further, the review presents the potential application of ionic liquid-nanomaterial hybrids as a safe electrolyte for lithium metal batteries that extends their cell life. The improved lithium transference number and ionic conductivity can be achieved by these appropriate hybrid electrolyte therefore show significant synergism in properties of both the ionic liquids as well as the nanoparticles with very few impacts on the environment. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Ionic liquids are a unique class of fluids with a wide range of applications, particularly in hybrid nanostructures. The interactions between constituent molecules play a crucial role in stabilizing these structures. Understanding these interactions can lead to the development of higher quality nanomaterials with potential applications in safe electrolytes for lithium metal batteries.