There are a variety of electrochemical devices, including lithium metal batteries and dye-sensitized solar cells that require the development of new solid-state electrolytes to make them safer and longer lasting. Organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs) are an interesting family of materials for these applications as they can be non-flammable, with no vapour pressure, and have good electrical and thermal stability. However, the achievement of high ionic conductivity is essential for their application.

Judith Janikowski, Jennifer Pringle, and colleagues at Monash University and Deakin University, both Australia, report the use of a new anion, carbamoylcyano(nitroso)methanide, for the development of novel OIPCs. This anion can exist in both a syn and anti conformation, which may contribute to the plasticity and solid-state conductivity. This anion can also form new ionic liquids with low viscosities and good conductivities.

• Physical Properties and Structural Characterization of Ionic Liquids and Solid Electrolytes Utilizing the Carbamoylcyano(nitroso)methanide Anion,
  Judith Janikowski, Mohd R. Razali, Craig M. Forsyth, Kate M. Nairn, Stuart R. Batten, Douglas R. MacFarlane, Jennifer M. Pringle,
  ChemPlusChem 2013.
  DOI: 10.1002/cplu.201300068