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Updated: May 28, 2026
05:33
Solid-state Graft Copolymer Electrolytes for Lithium Battery Applications
Published on: August 12, 2013
Nitro functionalization and nanoscale confinement enable ether-based quasi-solid electrolytes with stable lithium
Huiling Liu1,2, Xingkai Jia1,2, Yu Xia1,2
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China. yzjiang@zju.edu.cn.
Nanoscale
|May 26, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel quasi-solid-state electrolyte (QSSE) using functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and ether electrolytes. This MOF-based QSSE enhances lithium metal battery performance, enabling faster ion transport and stable interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Battery Technology
Background:
- Quasi-solid-state electrolytes (QSSEs) are crucial for advancing lithium metal batteries, but achieving fast ion transport, stable interfaces, and high-voltage compatibility remains challenging.
- Existing electrolytes often struggle to meet the demanding requirements for high-energy-density lithium metal batteries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel MOF-based QSSE by combining functionalized UiO-66 (UiO-66-NO2) with an ether-based electrolyte.
- To investigate the synergistic effects of functional modification and nanoscale confinement on electrolyte properties and battery performance.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized nitro-functionalized UiO-66 (UiO-66-NO2) and integrated it with 1 M LiTFSI in DME to form the MOF-based QSSE (UNP@D-LE).
- Utilized Raman spectroscopy to analyze the solvation structure and ion transport mechanisms within the QSSE.
- Conducted electrochemical tests including ionic conductivity measurements, Li+ transference number determination, oxidative stability window assessment, and Li plating/stripping cycling.
Main Results:
- The UNP@D-LE QSSE demonstrated high ionic conductivity (3.98 × 10-3 S cm-1) and a Li+ transference number of 0.61.
- Achieved an expanded oxidative stability window exceeding 5.0 V vs. Li+/Li, enabling stable Li plating/stripping for over 2000 hours.
- Demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance in quasi-solid-state Li‖NCM811 cells, with significant capacity retention at high voltages.
Conclusions:
- The synergistic strategy of functionalizing MOFs and confining ether electrolytes effectively enhances QSSE performance.
- The developed MOF-based QSSE offers a promising pathway for high-performance, safe, and stable lithium metal batteries.
- This approach highlights the potential of rationally designed MOF-electrolyte composites for next-generation energy storage devices.
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