Superior Blends Solid Polymer Electrolyte with Integrated Hierarchical Architectures for All-Solid-State Lithium-Ion...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) require solid electrolytes with excellent interfacial stability against electrodes.
• Developing high-performance solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) is crucial for next-generation energy storage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel solid polymer electrolyte with enhanced properties for ASSBs.
• To investigate the interfacial compatibility and electrochemical performance of the developed SPE with Li metal and LiFePO4 cathodes.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of PCL/SN blends integrated with a PAN-skeleton as a solid polymer electrolyte using a facile method.
• Characterization of ionic conductivity, electrochemical window, flexibility, flame-retardance, and thermal stability.
• Evaluation of interfacial stability with Li metal and LiFePO4 cathode at high voltage (4.5 V).
• Fabrication and testing of LiFePO4/Li ASSBs.

Main Results:

• The SPE exhibits hierarchical architectures, high ionic conductivity, a wide electrochemical window, and good flexibility.
• The electrolyte demonstrates superior compatibility and electrochemical stability with metallic Li and LiFePO4 cathode, maintaining stable interfaces at 4.5 V.
• LiFePO4/Li ASSBs using this SPE show high capacity, excellent cycling stability, and superior rate capability compared to liquid electrolyte-based cells.
• The SPE is workable at 80 °C and possesses good flame-retardance.

Conclusions:

• The developed solid polymer electrolyte offers a promising solution for high energy density all-solid-state batteries.
• The material's excellent interfacial stability and electrochemical performance make it suitable for next-generation battery applications.