Zeolitic imidazolate framework upgrading polyethylene oxide composite electrolyte for high-energy solid-state lithium...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs) face limitations in energy density due to low ionic conductivity and poor interfacial compatibility of solid electrolytes.
• Developing advanced solid electrolytes is crucial for improving the safety and performance of next-generation batteries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a multifunctional composite solid polymer electrolyte (CSPE) for high-performance SSLBs.
• To overcome the challenges of low ionic conductivity and poor interface compatibility in current solid electrolytes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a CSPE by embedding zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 deposited on carboxymethyl cellulose (ZIF@CMC) within a polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrix.
• Investigated the synergistic effects of ZIF-8@CMC within the PEO matrix on Li+ transport and lithium salt dissolution.
• Fabricated and tested LiFePO4/CSPE/Li batteries to evaluate electrochemical performance.

Main Results:

• The CSPE exhibited a continuous Li+ conductive network, enhancing ion transport.
• Achieved a high ionic conductivity of 1.8 × 10-4 S cm-1 at room temperature and a wide electrochemical window of 5 V.
• Demonstrated excellent reversible capacity (145.6 mAh g-1) and capacity retention (88.95% after 200 cycles) in LiFePO4/CSPE/Li batteries.

Conclusions:

• The developed CSPE offers a promising strategy for constructing high-performance solid-state lithium batteries.
• The ZIF@CMC/PEO composite electrolyte effectively addresses key limitations in SSLB technology.
• This research paves the way for safer and more efficient energy storage systems.