Performance Optimization of Electrospun Lithium-Ion Conducting PAN/PEO Solid Polymer Electrolyte.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are crucial for renewable energy storage.
• Solid electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries enhance safety and energy density compared to liquid electrolytes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a scalable, one-step method for producing solid polymer electrolyte membranes.
• To investigate the properties and performance of electrospun polymer blend membranes for lithium-ion batteries.

Main Methods:

• Electrospinning of a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blend with LiTFSI salt.
• Characterization of membrane morphology, thermal stability, and ionic conductivity.
• Electrochemical testing including galvanostatic cycling and electrochemical window determination.

Main Results:

• Flexible, free-standing membranes with fiber retention up to 100 °C were produced.
• Ionic conductivity reached 0.1 mS cm^-1 at 328 K, tunable via processing conditions.
• Demonstrated low activation energy for Li-ion transport and an electrochemical window of 0–4.5 V.

Conclusions:

• The electrospun solid polymer electrolyte exhibits promising performance for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
• The scalable manufacturing process and favorable properties suggest potential for practical applications.
• The material offers enhanced safety and energy density advantages over traditional liquid electrolytes.