Revolutionizing lithium-ion batteries: exploiting liquid crystal electrolytes

Abstract

With the growing global demand for clean energy and sustainable development, the need for advanced battery technologies with high energy density, improved safety, and extended operational cycle life becomes increasingly critical. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become the dominant power source for a wide range of applications, from portable electronics to electric vehicles, thanks to their superior energy densities and efficiencies. However, the safety concerns and performance limitations of conventional liquid electrolytes in LIBs highlight the need to explore innovative alternatives. Liquid crystal electrolytes (LCEs) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional electrolytes in LIBs, offering solutions to the inherent safety vulnerabilities and performance limitations of conventional liquid electrolytes. This review highlights recent advancements in the field of LCEs, with a focus on their classifications and structural characteristics to elucidate their ionic transport mechanisms. LCEs are primarily categorized based on their ion-transport architectures: one-dimensional (1D) linear channels, two-dimensional (2D) layered frameworks, and three-dimensional (3D) interconnected networks, all formed through molecular self-assembly processes; secondly, LCEs can be classified as ionic or non-ionic based on their molecular structures. Additionally, molecular design innovations that simultaneously increase ionic conductivity and optimize Li⁺ compatibility are crucial for advancing battery performances, particularly in energy density and cycling stability. This review concludes with an outlook on the future directions of LCE studies, emphasizing the potential of these materials to revolutionize energy storage solutions and enable the development of batteries with higher energy density, extended cycle life, and improved safety. By offering comprehensive analysis, valuable insights are provided, aiming to catalyze further researches and innovations in the applications of liquid crystal (LC) systems in energy storage technologies.