Modeling Lithium Transport and Electrodeposition in Ionic-Liquid Based Electrolytes

Purely ionic electrolytes—wherein liquids replace neutral solvents—have been proposed to improve lithium-ion-battery performance, on the basis that unique microscopic characteristics of polarized ionic-liquid/electrode interfaces may selectivity and kinetics interfacial lithium-exchange reactions. Here we model a “three-ion” ionic-liquid electrolyte, composed traditional liquid lithium salt with common anion. Newman's concentrated-solution theory is extended account for space charging chemomechanical coupling. We simulate electrolytes in equilibrium under steady currents. find local conductivity transference number diffuse double layers near differ considerably from their bulk values. The mechanical coupling causes ion size play crucial role interface's electrical response. Interfacial surface charge electrodes both affect apparent transport properties purely interfaces. Larger cations anions facilitate kinetics.