Novel reversible and switchable electrolytes based on magneto-rheology.
Replacing organic liquid electrolytes with solid electrolytes has led to a new perspective on batteries, enabling high-energy battery chemistry with intrinsically safe cell designs. However, most solid/gel electrolytes are easily deformed; under extreme deformation, leakage and/or short-circuiting can occur. Here, we report a novel magneto-rheological electrolyte (MR electrolyte) that responds to changes in an external magnetic field; the electrolyte exhibits low viscosity in the absence of a magnetic field and increased viscosity or a solid-like phase in the presence of a magnetic field. This change from a liquid to solid does not significantly change the conductivity of the MR electrolyte. This work introduces a new class of magnetically sensitive solid electrolytes that can enhance impact resistance and prevent leakage from electronic devices through reversible active switching of their mechanical properties.
Land Division, Defence Science and Technology Group, 506 Lorimer Street, Fishermans Bend, VIC 3207, Australia.
Jie
J
Ding
School of Mechanical, Material and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
Gangrou
G
Peng
ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
Kewei
K
Shu
ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
Caiyun
C
Wang
School of Mechanical, Material and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
Tongfei
T
Tian
School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3217, Australia.
Wenrong
W
Yang
School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3217, Australia.
Yuanchao
Y
Zhang
ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
Gordon G
GG
Wallace
School of Mechanical, Material and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
Weihua
W
Li