A research team at Ulsan National Institute of Science and
Technology (UNIST), S. Korea, found a new physical organogel electrolyte with
two unique characteristics: an irreversible thermal gelation and a high value
of the Li+ transference number.
A Recent fire on a Boeing 787 on the ground in Boston, US,
was caused by a battery failure, it resulted in the release of flammable
electrolytes, heat damage and smoke. If they had used a safer electrolyte, the
risk would have been reduced.
Electrolytes are essential components of supercapacitors,
batteries and fuel cells. The Most widely used electrolyte is a liquid type
since its overall ionic conductivity and value of transference numbers are
better than solid-type electrolytes. However, safety concerns caused by its
leakage and explosive nature, caused an extensive call for the research on the
development of solid-type electrolyte.