Abstract: An electrolyte and a method to electroplate a metal on a substrate using the electrolyte are described. The electrolyte includes an imidazolium compound, a metal salt, and water. The imidazolium compound has formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are each independently selected from an H atom and an organic radical. L? is a compatible anion. The metal salt can include but is not limited to salts of the metals Li, Mg, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Bi, La, Ce, Al, Ag, Au, Ga, V, In, Nb, Mo, and W.

Abstract: A secondary ionomer that enhances activity and stability of a cathode catalyst in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell includes the ionic liquid, 1-methyl-2,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-1H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-9-ium 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate ([MTBD][C4F9SO3]). When contacting the catalyst, [MTBD][C4F9SO3] enhances catalyst activity and stability more effectively than previously known ionomers, likely by preventing oxide formation and water adsorption at the catalyst surface. The disclosed secondary ionomer is thus most effective when completely coating the catalyst.

Abstract: A secondary ionomer that enhances activity and stability of a cathode catalyst in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell includes the ionic liquid, 1-methyl-2,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-1H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-9-ium 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-nonafluorobutane-1-sulfonate ([MTBD][C4F9SO3]). When contacting the catalyst, [MTBD][C4F9SO3] enhances catalyst activity and stability more effectively than previously known ionomers, likely by preventing oxide formation and water adsorption at the catalyst surface. The disclosed secondary ionomer is thus most effective when completely coating the catalyst.

Abstract: An electrolyte and a method to electroplate a metal on a substrate using the electrolyte are described. The electrolyte includes an imidazolium compound, a metal salt, and water. The imidazolium compound has formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are each independently selected from an H atom and an organic radical. L? is a compatible anion. The metal salt can include but is not limited to salts of the metals Li, Mg, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Bi, La, Ce, Al, Ag, Au, Ga, V, In, Nb, Mo, and W.