Electrolyte engineering can improve electrochemical heat engine and refrigeration efficiency

The rational engineering of electrolytes can dramatically improve electrochemical heat engines and heat pumps (refrigerators), which are emerging, low-cost, high-efficiency thermal energy conversion technologies. We discuss the key parameters that make electrolytes attractive for thermal energy conversion, provide new insight into the trade-offs, and suggest approaches to circumvent these trade-offs. The rational engineering of electrolytes can dramatically improve electrochemical heat engines and heat pumps (refrigerators), which are emerging, low-cost, high-efficiency thermal energy conversion technologies. We discuss the key parameters that make electrolytes attractive for thermal energy conversion, provide new insight into the trade-offs, and suggest approaches to circumvent these trade-offs.