Prof Buttry is focusing the work on room temperature ionic liquids, whose properties inclue high thermal stability, a wide electrochemical window and low vapour pressure. By combining a silicon electrode architecture with a room temperature ionic liquid electrolyte containing the bis-fluorosulfonylamide anion, the researchers have demonstrated an energy dense lithium-ion cell which maintains a capacity of more than 75% capacity over 500 charge/discharge cycles with almost perfect current efficiency.
According to Prof Buttry. "One of the key features of successful lithium battery materials is that they develop thin films that protect the surface of the battery electrodes, which prolongs the life of the battery. This study documents the development of just such a film in a new type of battery formulation that has many more attractive features than existing commercial lithium batteries. The hope is that this new formulation will find its way into commercial use."
