Molecular ionics in supramolecular assemblies with channel structures containing lithium ions.

A novel trilithium compound, Li(3)[B(C(6)H(4)O(2)){O(CH(2)CH(2)O)(3)CH(3)}(2)][N(SO(2)CF(3))(2)](2) (1-2.0), with solid-state ionic conductivity was synthesized. The crystal structure of 1-2.0 consists of the one-dimensional ionic conduction paths. The paths were afforded as a result of the self-assembled stacking of the component molecules of 1-2.0 with channel structures containing lithium ions. In this supramolecule, one lithium ion holds the component molecules in specific positions to construct a supramolecular structure with thermally stable ionic conduction paths and the others behave as carrier ions exhibiting selective lithium-ion conductivity. Owing to the existence of both roles for the lithium ions, this electrolyte shows selective lithium-ion conductivity.