Advancements in Quasi-Solid-State Li Batteries: A Rigid Hybrid Electrolyte Using LATP Porous Ceramic Membrane and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Li-ion battery technology requires advanced electrolytes for next-generation energy storage.
• Current electrolytes face challenges in conductivity, safety, and electrochemical stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel hybrid electrolytes with enhanced properties for improved battery performance.
• To investigate the synergistic effects between ionic liquids and porous ceramic supports.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of porous LATP ceramic via solid-state sintering with corn starch as a pore former.
• Infiltration of the porous ceramic with an ionic liquid (Pyr14TFSI) and lithium salt (LiTFSI) solution.
• Characterization of ionic conductivity, ion transfer number, and electrochemical window of the hybrid electrolyte.

Main Results:

• The hybrid electrolyte demonstrated high ionic conductivity (∼10⁻³ S·cm⁻¹ at 303 K) and an improved ion transfer number.
• A wide electrochemical window (4.7-4.9 V vs Li⁺/Li) was achieved, indicating enhanced stability.
• Li/LiFePO₄ cells using the hybrid electrolyte showed high capacity retention (150 mAh·g⁻¹ at C/30, 60 mAh·g⁻¹ at 1 C).

Conclusions:

• The porous LATP structure critically influences Li⁺ charge transport by confining TFSI⁻ anions, boosting performance.
• The developed hybrid electrolyte is a superior alternative to bare LATP and safer than conventional organic electrolytes.
• This work presents a promising pathway for developing high-performance, safe electrolytes for advanced energy storage devices.