Functionalized Ionic Liquids Based on Trialkylimidazolium Cations with Alkoxymethyl Group at the N-1 Position: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application as Electrolytes for a Lithium Ion Battery

Twenty-four new functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) based on trialkylimidazolium cations with the alkoxymethyl group at the N-1 position were synthesized and characterized. Physicochemical properties of these ILs, such as melting point, thermal stability, density, viscosity, conductivity, and electrochemical stability, were studied systematically. Twenty-one ILs appeared in the liquid state at room temperature, and 14 ILs showed a melting point lower than −60 °C. Introduction of the alkoxymethyl group at the N-1 position of trialkylimidazolium cations could not be more beneficial than that of the alkoxyethyl group for reducing viscosity. Li/LiFePO 4 cells employing three trialkylimidazolium ILs with methoxymethyl-group-based electrolytes showed good discharge capacity and cycle stability at a current rate of 0.1 C. This is the first report of ILs with the alkoxymethyl group used as electrolytes without an additive for a lithium ion battery.