FFF/FDM 3D-Printed Solid Polymer Electrolytes Based on Acrylonitrile Copolymers for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are crucial for modern electronics but face design limitations.
• Current battery shapes restrict integration into custom-sized applications like wearables.
• Additive manufacturing (AM) offers a solution for creating batteries with complex geometries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel solid polymer electrolytes for 3D-printable lithium-ion batteries.
• To optimize poly(acrylonitrile-co-polyethylene glycol methyl ether acrylate) (poly(AN-co-PEGMEA)) copolymers for Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF).
• To explore the potential of AM in creating custom-shaped LIBs.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of poly(AN-co-PEGMEA) copolymers with varying ratios.
• Characterization of physical, thermal, and electrochemical properties.
• 3D printing of battery components using FFF technology.

Main Results:

• A poly(AN-co-PEGMEA) 6:1 copolymer ratio demonstrated optimal printability and ionic conductivity.
• Successful filament extrusion and 3D printing of complex battery shapes were achieved.
• Addition of succinonitrile (SCN) plasticizer enhanced ionic conductivity and lithium cation transference.

Conclusions:

• Novel poly(AN-co-PEGMEA) copolymers are suitable for 3D printing solid polymer electrolytes.
• This approach enables the fabrication of custom-shaped lithium-ion batteries.
• Combining polymer chemistry and AM opens new avenues for advanced battery design.