Evaluation of the Ionic Liquid, 1-Butyl-1-Methylpyrrolidinium Bis(Trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, as a Sustainable Material for Modern Energy Devices

Abstract

Abstract Sustainable materials are those which satisfy the three sustainability criteria of being environmentally safe, profitable, and acceptable to society. Within a circular economy such material's societal acceptability is linked to the wider and long-term implications of its production and its durable usability, along with the assurance that it does not leave negative environmental footprints. 1-butyl-1-methyl pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (abbreviated as BMPI) is an ionic liquid (IL), with minimal negative environmental impacts that is applied in different components of energy devices like batteries. Like other ionic liquids (ILs) it is non-volatile and non-flammable. It is additionally non-toxic and not too viscous within practical operating conditions, making it safe and suitable for use in batteries. Such batteries constitute crucial parts of renewable energy systems where they are useful for energy storage, thus enabling a practical alternative for diversifying from fossil energy sources. ILs like BMPI, comprising only ions while being in a liquid state, show superior conductivity and dielectric properties relevant for metal-ion batteries, redox-flow batteries, and even solid-state batteries. The performance of BMPI, as well as the economic viability of its utilization, is assessed by analyzing its performance in different battery systems, including "membraneless" systems, wherein it constitutes an active part of components such as capacitors, electrolytes, and ion-exchange membranes. A focused analysis of its usability and potential acceptability in the energy industry of Nigeria among others in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) is further presented, providing a holistic evaluation of the potential sustainability of BMPI and similar ionic liquids as components of energy devices in a circular economy.