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The redefinition of the commonly named "water-in-salt" clarifies the operating temperatures of the state-of-the-art LiTFSI-based aqueous solutions. An in-depth study shows its mismatch for low temperature applications. In contrast, the recommended strategy is to design an electrolyte with an invariant composition, as exemplified by the eutectic water/LiNO3 that is able to electrochemically cycle down to -23 °C.

The potential applications of epoxy-based solid polymer electrolytes are continually expanding because of their versatile characteristics. These characteristics include mechanical rigidity, nonvolatility, nonflammability, and electrochemical stability. However, it is worth noting that pure epoxy-based solid polymer electrolytes inherently exhibit lower ion transport capabilities when compared to traditional liquid electrolytes. Striking a balance between high mechanical integrity and superior ionic conductivity at room temperature poses a significant challenge. In light of this challenge, this review is dedicated to elucidating the fundamental concepts of epoxy-based solid polymer electrolytes. It will explore various preparation techniques, the incorporation of different nanomaterials into epoxy-based solid polymer electrolytes, and an evaluation of their multifunctional properties. This comprehensive evaluation will cover both mechanical and electrical properties with a specific focus on their potential applications in batteries and structural supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new system based on class II hybrid ionogels (Si-IL gels) has been developed for overcoming leaking problems associated with liquid electrolytes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We co-condensed a silica precursor with an alkoxysilane functionalized ionic liquid precursor, under acidic conditions, to obtain a hybrid ionogel where ionic liquid is covalently linked to silica domains. The morphology and the microstructure of the Si-IL xerogels were explored using NMR, SAXS and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Cyclic voltammetry experiments were carried out to measure the apparent diffusion coefficient of the redox couple I−/I3− into these Si-IL gels. The diffusion coefficient of triiodide in the gel is comparable to the one observed in a solvent-free based ionic liquid electrolyte. These Si-IL gels were evaluated as electrolytes in quasi-solid-state DSSCs. For this purpose, various DSSCs have been fabricated. The cells containing Si-IL ionogels with 50 wt% of a silica modified liquid ionic precursor exhibit a short-circuit photocurrent of 2.8 mA cm−2, an open circuit voltage of 680 mV, a fill factor of 0.65, and an overall efficiency of 1.25%. Accordingly, this work constitutes a proof of concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]