Lithium-ion batteries are an established technology with recent large-scale batteries finding emerging markets for electric vehicles and household energy storage. Battery research during the past two decades has focussed on practical improvements to available batteries, such as cell design to enhance energy density, which are currently nearing their maximum potential. We must now consider alternative avenues of research in pursuit of a new breakthrough in this technology. This book collects authoritative perspectives from leading researchers to project the emerging opportunities in the field of lithium-ion batteries. Covering topics including anode and cathode materials, electrolytes, emerging markets and the challenges and opportunities of lithium-ion battery supply, it will provide researchers with cutting-edge leads to advance the next generation of materials. Edited by a pioneer in the field, and with contributions from experts from across the globe, this book will be of use to graduate students and researchers in academia and industry interested in lithium-ion batteries and energy storage.

A comprehensive overview of polymerized ionic liquids and their applications as smart materials.

Ionic liquids are attractive because they offer versatility in the design of organic salts. As ion-rich media, ionic liquids can control the systems properties by tuning the size, charge, and shape of the composing ions. Whilst the focus has mainly been on the potential applications of ionic liquids as solvents, they also provide innovative opportunities for designing new systems and devices. Limitations from the high viscosity and expensive purification of the ionic liquids are also not a barrier for applications as devices. Written by leading authors, Ionic Liquid Devices introduces the innovative applications of ionic liquids. Whilst the first chapters focus on their characterization, which can be difficult in some instances, the rest of the book demonstrates how ionic liquids can play substantial roles in quite different systems from sensors and actuators to biomedical applications. The book provides a comprehensive resource aimed at researchers and students in materials science, polymer science, chemistry and physics interested in the materials and inspire the discovery of new applications of ionic liquids in smart devices.