An Elastomeric Electrolyte Based on Lithium-Ion-Selective Transmembrane Transport for Solid-State Lithium-Sulfur...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Storage

Background:

• Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (SSLSBs) offer high energy density and safety but are limited by electrolyte properties.
• Current solid-state electrolytes lack the mechanical and electrochemical performance for practical SSLSB applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a construction strategy for fiber-network-based elastomeric solid electrolytes (FESE) for high-performance SSLSBs.
• To address the limitations of existing solid-state electrolytes in mechanical and electrochemical properties.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of FESE using electrospinning-induced phase separation of a hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR) emulsion.
• In situ polymerization of methoxy polyethylene glycol for void filling.
• Characterization of ionic conductivity, Li+ transference number, and electrochemical performance in SSLSBs.

Main Results:

• The FESE electrolyte exhibits a room-temperature ionic conductivity of 1.11 mS cm⁻¹ and a Li⁺ transference number of 0.77.
• The assembled SSLSB demonstrated a high initial discharge capacity of 1188 mAh g⁻¹ and excellent rate capability (356 mAh g⁻¹ at 4C).
• Remarkable cycling stability was achieved, with 71.2% capacity retention after 800 cycles.

Conclusions:

• The proposed FESE structure provides interconnected ion transport channels, Li⁺-selectivity, and conformal interfaces for efficient ion transport.
• This research presents a viable strategy for developing advanced elastomeric electrolytes for high-performance solid-state batteries.
• The FESE electrolyte significantly enhances the performance and potential application of SSLSBs.