| abstract |
The present invention relates to compositions comprising ionic compounds surrounded by organic matrices, and methods for producing such compositions. In various embodiments, the compositions of the present invention are co- crystals of an organic compound and a salt. The organic compound forms matrices with channel structures, wherein the organic matrices interact relatively poorly with the salt, thus allowing for excellent ion mobility through the channel structures. In one embodiment, the compositions are soft-solid electrolytes, comprising ions such as lithium or sodium, which can be used in batteries or other electrochemical devices. The electrolyte compositions of the present invention exhibit relatively high ionic conductivities with a negligible activation barrier for ion migration, i.e., the compositions exhibit barrierless ion conduction. In addition, the compositions exhibit good conductivities at very low temperatures, making them useful in a variety of low temperature applications. In one embodiment, the present invention further relates to free-standing films comprising the co-crystals of the present invention, and methods for preparing such films. |