In Situ Coordinated MOF-Polymer Composite Electrolyte for Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries with Exceptional...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Composite solid electrolytes are crucial for solid-state lithium metal batteries.
• Achieving uniform filler dispersion and high loading in electrolytes remains a challenge.
• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer tunable properties for electrolyte enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a MOF/polymer composite solid electrolyte for improved lithium metal battery performance.
• To investigate the role of in situ grown HKUST-1 on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers.
• To enhance interfacial stability and ion transport properties.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers.
• In situ nucleation and growth of HKUST-1 MOF on PAN nanofibers via chemical immersion.
• Fabrication of composite solid electrolyte.
• Electrochemical testing of Li||Li symmetric cells and full cells (Li||LFP, Li||NCM811).

Main Results:

• The composite electrolyte demonstrated uniform dispersion and high loading of HKUST-1.
• In situ coordinated HKUST-1 modified Li+ solvation and mitigated interfacial side reactions.
• Achieved a high Li ion transference number of 0.77 and critical current density of 4.5 mA cm⁻².
• Li||Li symmetric cells showed stable operation for over 4000 h.
• Li||LFP and Li||NCM811 cells exhibited excellent rate capability and cycling stability.

Conclusions:

• The MOF/polymer composite solid electrolyte significantly improves interfacial stability and ionic conductivity.
• This approach provides a promising strategy for designing advanced solid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries.
• The in situ growth of MOFs on electrospun fibers is an effective method for creating high-performance battery components.