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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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Solid-state Graft Copolymer Electrolytes for Lithium Battery Applications
Published on: August 12, 2013
A Selective-Transport Elastomeric Coating Regulating Hierarchical Solid Electrolyte Interphase for Low-Temperature
Hang Ding1, Linming Bai2, Xinyuan Shan3
1State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, P. R. China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|July 3, 2026
Summary
A novel siloxane coating creates a dual-layer solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) for lithium metal batteries (LMBs). This enhances low-temperature performance and cycling stability by combining flexibility and ion transport.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Battery Technology
Background:
- Low-temperature performance of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) is limited by the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the lithium anode.
- Conventional SEI strategies using electrolyte modification yield organic-rich SEIs (poor dendrite inhibition, slow ion kinetics) or inorganic-rich SEIs (brittle at low temperatures).
- Effective SEI design is crucial for stable and efficient LMBs, especially under demanding conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a direct method for constructing a stable, flexible, and ionically conductive SEI for LMBs.
- To improve the low-temperature cycling performance and interfacial stability of LMBs.
- To create a double-layer SEI combining organic and inorganic components for synergistic benefits.
Main Methods:
- Application of a siloxane-based elastomeric coating directly onto the lithium metal anode surface.
- Leveraging the coating's solvent phobicity to guide the formation of a LiF-rich inner SEI.
- Characterization using theoretical calculations and experimental validation of the double-layer SEI structure and properties.
- Performance testing of LMBs with the modified anode under low-temperature conditions (-25°C).
Main Results:
- A double-layer SEI composed of a LiF-rich inner layer and an organic-inorganic outer layer was successfully constructed.
- The SEI demonstrated enhanced mechanical flexibility and promoted Li+ transport.
- LMBs with the coated anode achieved 99% capacity retention over 300 cycles at -25°C when paired with NCM811 cathodes.
- The method allows direct SEI manipulation and is compatible with diverse electrolyte systems.
Conclusions:
- The siloxane-based coating effectively engineers a synergistic double-layer SEI, overcoming limitations of conventional approaches.
- This strategy significantly enhances the low-temperature cycling stability and interfacial integrity of lithium metal batteries.
- The direct SEI modification approach offers a versatile pathway for advancing high-performance LMB technology.
Keywords:
functional elastomerslow‐temperature lithium‐metal batteriespolymeric protective layerspolysiloxanessolid electrolyte interphases
