A new electrolyte based on magnetic ionic liquid with magnetic-tuning electrochemical performance

A new magnetic ionic liquid (MIL) based on 1-methylethyl ether-3-butylimidazole and [FeCl4]− is synthesized for application in electrolyte. It is found that the electrochemical performance of magnetic ionic liquid based mixed electrolyte can be improved by applying magnetic field. The enhanced electrochemical performance is attributed to the formation of microdomain in the mixed electrolyte under magnetic field. The ions of MIL can align along the direction of the magnetic field, providing the efficient transmission path for the migration of Li+ and Cl−. Under magnetic control, the MI-based electrolyte does not only retain its wide electrochemical window characteristics, but also solves the problem of limiting the high viscosity of IL as electrolyte. The work provides a new method to design and prepare high-performance electrolyte for various electrochemical applications.