Electrolyte solutions for electrochromic devices such as rear view mirrors and displays with low leakage currents are prepared using inexpensive, low conductivity conductors. Preferred electrolytes include bifunctional redox dyes and molten salt solvents with enhanced stability toward ultraviolet radiation. The solvents include lithium or quaternary ammonium cations, and perfluorinated sulfonylimide anions selected from trifluoromethylsulfonate (CF₃SO₃^-), bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ((CF₃SO₂)₂N^-), bis(perfluoroethylsulfonyl)imide ((CF₃CF₂SO₂)₂N^-) and tris(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)methide ((CF₃SO₂)₃C^-). Electroluminescent, electrochromic and photoelectrochromic devices with nanostructured electrodes include ionic liquids with bifunctional redox dyes.