Facile synthesis of 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 electrochemical cell based on MIL electrolyte can be improved by applying magnetic field. The enhanced electrochemical performance is attributed to formation of micro-domain in the mixed electrolyte under magnetic field. The ions of MIL can align along direction of magnetic field, providing efficient transmission path for migration of Li⁺ and Cl⁻. Under magnetic control, the MIL-based electrolyte does not only retain its wide electrochemical window characteristics, but also solve problem of limiting high viscosity of IL as electrolyte. The work provides a new method to design and prepare high-performance electrolyte for various electrochemical applications.