ABSTRACT
The effect of water on the properties of superconcentrated sodium salt solutions in ionic liquids (ILs) was investigated to design electrolytes for sodium battery applications with water as an additive. Water was added to a 50â mol % solution of NaFSI [FSI=bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide] in the ionic liquid N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (C3 mpyrFSI). Although the thermal properties (e.g., glass transition temperature) showed little dependence on the water content, the viscosity and, in particular, the ionic conductivity were strongly affected. The Na|Na symmetrical cell cycling performance was strongly dependent on the applied current density as well as on the water content. At higher current densities (1.0â mA cm-2 ) the polarization profiles showed a water dependence, suggesting that water was actively involved in the formation of an improved solid electrolyte interface layer (SEI) for high-water-content samples (1000-5000â ppm), resulting in improved long-term cycling stability. The initial impedance of cells cycled at 1.0â mA cm-2 (measured after 20â cycles) was elevated after water addition, and large polarizations occured for the "wet" samples. However, with further cycling the wet cells began to exhibit lower polarization and improved stability compared to the "dry" sample. The Na|NaFePO4 cell cycling performance was also demonstrated with minimal effect on the cell capacity, further highlighting the negligible activity of water in these electrolyte systems. In fact, reduced cell polarization and a more clearly defined charge profile were evident after water addition. The work shown here suggests that water may be used as a convenient and inexpensive additive for superconcentrated sodium IL electrolytes for improved device performance.
ABSTRACT
A strong relationship between the surface structure and the redox activity of Li2O2 is visualized directly using scanning electrochemical cell microscopy, employing a dual-barrel nanopipette containing a unique gel polymer electrolyte. These measurements reveal considerable local heterogeneity with significantly enhanced electrochemical activity at toroidal Li2O2 structures when compared to the conformal layer that is usually formed on the cathode of Li-O2 batteries.
ABSTRACT
Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy is introduced as a new tool for the synthesis and deposition of polymers on SAM-functionalised Au surfaces. The deposition of poly(N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) is shown to be enhanced through the electrochemical generation of activating Cu(i)Cl/Me6TREN catalyst. Initiation of the polymerisation reaction is most likely due to in situ generation of reactive oxygen species following oxygen reduction.