Ionic liquids as battery electrolytes for lithium ion batteries: Recent advances and future prospects

Ionic liquids (ILs) have revolutionized the world ever since their discovery. Out of the immense possibilities of developing new materials, processes and mechanisms using ionic liquids, lies the great possibility of employing ionic liquids in the area of battery electrolytes. Battery technology is directly dependent on progress of battery electrolytes. In recent years there has been a fast growing demand of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) in mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles and related high-voltage electrochemical applications. In the present article, our main focus is on ionic liquid based electrolytes - their types, advancements, progress and trends since late nineties up to the present times. In this endeavour, the role of fillers and solvent additives in enriching the electrochemical properties of electrolyte are clearly mentioned and emphasized. An attempt has also been made to bring out the future prospects for new beginners in the development of solid composite electrolytes employing ionic liquids.