ISIS Neutron and Muon Source Data Journal
This is a page describing data taken during an experiment at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Information about the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source can be found at https://www.isis.stfc.ac.uk.
Structural Analysis of State-Independent Electrolytes
Abstract: We have recently developed the first 'state-independent electrolytes' - organic materials that exhibit the same ionic conductivity mechanism across phase transitions between neat fluid and solid states. Normally, conventional organic fluid-phase electrolytes undergo a steep decrease in their ionic conductivity at the phase transition from fluid to solid, linked to a change in conduction mechanism, which hinders application of molecular solids as electrolytes in devices. The novel behaviour of our electrolytes, therefore, can be applied to the design of electrolytes used in batteries, capacitors, etc. However, we must first develop a better understanding of how the packing of flexible alkyl chains in the structures contribute to the ionic mobility in different states. To do so, we request two days of beamtime on the NIMROD instrument to acquire neutron scattering data for one of our materials (and its isotopologue) at a series of temperatures, covering the solid, liquid crystal and liquid crystalline states. We also request access to pycnometry to measure density changes that occur. These measurements will allow us to simulate how the packing structures of our electrolytes change through phase transitions, and to apply the lessons learned to design new materials that duplicate the state-independent conductivity, while improving other properties, such as increasing absolute ionic conductivity and reducing the molecular weight and complexity of the materials.
Principal Investigator: Professor Paul McGonigal
Experimenter: Mr Aniket Talreja
Local Contact: Dr Tom Headen
Experimenter: Dr Paresh Behera
DOI: 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520072
ISIS Experiment Number: RB2520072
| Part DOI | Instrument | Public release date | Download Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520072-1 | NIMROD | 30 November 2028 | Download |
Publisher: STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Data format: RAW/Nexus
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Data Citation
The recommended format for citing this dataset in a research
publication is as:
[author], [date], [title], [publisher],
[doi]
For Example:
Professor Paul McGonigal et al; (2026): Structural Analysis of State-Independent Electrolytes, STFC ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, https://doi.org/10.5286/ISIS.E.RB2520072
Data is released under the CC-BY-4.0 license.
