A high-performance TPGDA/PETEA composite gel polymer electrolyte for lithium metal batteries
Zhifu Chen1, Quan Pei1, Zhitao An1
1Key Laboratory of Low Dimensional Materials and Application Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, P. R. China. shxie@xtu.edu.cn.
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|August 9, 2023
Summary
A flexible gel polymer electrolyte reinforced with polyimide nanofibers and LLZTO nanoparticles demonstrates high ionic conductivity and ion transfer. This advanced electrolyte enables a lithium metal battery with a LiFePO4 cathode to maintain good discharge capacity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Developing stable and flexible solid-state electrolytes is crucial for next-generation lithium metal batteries.
- Traditional liquid electrolytes pose safety risks due to flammability.
- Polymer electrolytes offer improved safety but often suffer from low ionic conductivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a flexible and highly conductive gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) for lithium metal batteries.
- To enhance the mechanical stability and electrochemical performance of the GPE using a polyimide nanofiber membrane and LLZTO nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the performance of the developed electrolyte in a LiFePO4 cathode-based lithium metal battery.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a polyimide (PI) nanofiber membrane.
- Incorporation of Li6.5La3Zr1.5Ta0.5O12 (LLZTO) nanoparticles into the PI membrane.
- Impregnation of the PI/LLZTO composite with a gel polymer electrolyte.
- Electrochemical characterization including ionic conductivity and Li+ transfer number measurements.
- Assembly and testing of a Li metal battery with a LiFePO4 cathode.
Main Results:
- The PI/LLZTO/GPE exhibited excellent flexibility and electrochemical properties.
- Achieved an ionic conductivity of 1.87 mS cm⁻¹ and a Li+ transfer number of 0.64 at room temperature.
- The assembled LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode lithium metal battery demonstrated a discharge capacity of 56.4 mA h g⁻¹ at 10C.
Conclusions:
- The PI/LLZTO/GPE composite is a promising candidate for flexible solid-state lithium metal batteries.
- The combination of polyimide nanofibers and LLZTO nanoparticles effectively enhances electrolyte performance.
- The developed GPE enables stable battery operation with good capacity retention.
