Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-mphil-in-micro-and-nanotechnology-enterprise-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2022/paper-1/section-b/11/i/a/solution
Past exam of the MPhil in micro- and nanotechnology enterprise course of the University of Cambridge 2022 Paper 1 Section B 11 i a Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-20
An organic liquid electrolyte gives good wetting and relatively high room-temperature ionic conductivity. A dissolved lithium salt supplies mobile ions, while a suitable solvent mixture supports operation beyond the narrow water-stability window. The liquid infiltrates a porous electrode and accommodates modest dimensional changes, helping lower interfacial resistance.
The disadvantages include flammability or combustibility, leakage, solvent volatility and interfacial decomposition outside the stable potential range. A solid electrolyte interphase can passivate the negative electrode, but its formation consumes lithium and electrolyte and its continued growth increases resistance. An electronically insulating separator remains essential. Ionic conductivity alone does not guarantee safety or a large lithium-ion transference number, and low temperature can sharply increase resistance.
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