Electrodeposition of Metals and Preparation of Metal Nanoparticles in Nonaqueous Electrolytes and Their Application to Energy Devices

Abstract

Nonaqueous electrolytes are used in various electrochemical devices as their electrochemical potential window is wider than that of aqueous electrolytes. Electrochemical reactions significantly change depending on the combination of nonaqueous solvent and salt and the dissolved state of the metal ions or redox species in the solvent. Room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), a type of nonaqueous solvent, have unique physicochemical properties such as negligible vapor pressure and non-flammability. Their application as reaction media for a variety of reactions, including electrochemical reactions has attracted significant interest, as they enable reactions that cannot proceed in water or organic solvents.We have been researching materials synthesis and energy devices using RTILs and organic electrolytes.Herein, we comprehensively review our research on the electrodeposition of metals, preparation of metal nanoparticles, and secondary batteries using nonaqueous electrolytes.

Electrocatalyst Fabrication Using Metal Nanoparticles Prepared in Ionic Liquids

“…Many researches provide bottom-up strategies triggered by various reduction reactions in IL to prepare metal nanoparticles. [19,24] Among them, the simplest way to produce metal nanoparticles seems to be thermal reduction reaction caused by pyrolysis of metal precursors, e. g., platinum(II) bis(acetylacetonate) (Pt(acac) 2 ). In aqua and organic solvents, numerous nanoparticle preparations have been conducted by the similar approach.…”

“…Interestingly, addition of a sort of chemical compounds to the IL can further enhance the catalytic performance. Hence, the metal nanoparticle preparation in IL widens the scope of choices available to catalyst design and synthesis [24] . In this personal account, we will briefly review our findings since around the middle of the 2000’s on the methodology of nanoparticle preparation in IL with the classification of top‐down and bottom‐up methods.…”

“…Hence, the metal nanoparticle preparation in IL widens the scope of choices available to catalyst design and synthesis. [24] In this personal account, we will briefly review our findings since around the middle of the 2000's on the methodology of nanoparticle preparation in IL with the classification of top-down and bottom-up methods. Using Pt series nanoparticle-supported carbon electrocatalysts as examples, the key parameters for electrocatalyst design with the nanoparticles prepared in IL, such as IL species, nanoparticle shape and/or size, addition of chemical compounds, are also introduced.…”

Preface for the 66th Special Feature “Novel Aspects and Approaches to Experimental Methods for Electrochemistry”

“…136 He received the Molten Salt Prize for Young Researchers (Molten Salt Committee, the Electrochemical Society of Japan (ECSJ)) in 2010 and Young Researcher Award of The Electrochemical Society of Japan (Sano Award) in 2021. 137 Masafumi ASAHI is currently a researcher of Research Institute of Electrochemical Energy, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST). He has been a researcher of AIST from 2011 and he has been engaged in the development of cathode catalysts of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs).…”

History of ECSJ Awards and Introduction of Award Winners in 2021

“…RTILs and secondary batteries using nonaqueous electrolytes. 44 One of his work related to lithium metal negative electrode has been frequently read. 45,46…”