The Solvation Structure of Localized High Concentration Electrolytes

The development of liquid electrolytes receives significant attention within the field of battery research. New concepts are emerging, and one of these groundbreaking ideas is localized high concentration electrolytes (LHCEs). The fundamental characteristic of this type of electrolyte is related to its solvation structure. However, despite the progress made, the solvation process and its relationship towards physicochemical and electrochemical properties are not yet fully understood. A comprehensive understanding of LHCEs and their solvation structure requires further dedicated research and analysis. This concept review offers a thorough examination of the design principles governing LHCEs, elucidates methodologies for investigating solvation structures, connects these insights to interphase chemistry, and explores potential applications in future battery technology. Solvation structure in liquid electrolytes has become a crucial focus in battery research, especially in electrolytes with (localized) high concentration regimes, to understand its impacts on physicochemical and electrochemical properties. Experimental methods like NMR, Raman, FTIR, SAXS/WAXS, along with computational techniques like molecular dynamics are pivotal for gaining insights into the solvation structure. image