Increasing the electrical conductivity of layered double hydroxides by intercalation of ionic liquids

Zinc-aluminum layered double hydroxide (LDH) has been synthesized and intercalated with two ionic liquids, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate (BmimHSO4) and tetramethylammonium hydroxide pentahydrate (TMA 5H2O) in order to increase the ionic conductivity of the composite material. Pure and IL-intercalated LDHs have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. The addition of BmimHSO4 enhanced the ionic conductivity of LDH by a factor of 9 at high humidity conditions, which are promising results for applications to composite electrodes in fuel cells or batteries.