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Published on: May 22, 2018
Development of BiFeO3‑Enhanced Cellulose Separators via Electrospinning for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries
Claudia C Zuluaga-Gómez1,2, Guillermo A Narváez-Lozano1,3, Sofia D Robles-Alfonso1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, P.O. Box 23346, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00931, United States.
ACS Omega
|August 1, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel regenerated cellulose separator enhanced with bismuth ferrite nanoparticles for lithium-ion batteries. The new separator significantly improves electrolyte wettability and ionic conductivity, enhancing battery performance and safety by suppressing dendrite growth.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Separator properties critically influence lithium-ion battery (LIB) performance and safety.
- Cellulose-based materials offer a sustainable alternative to conventional polypropylene separators.
- Enhancing cellulose separators can improve ionic transport and prevent dendrite formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a regenerated cellulose separator integrated with ferroelectric BiFeO3 nanoparticles.
- To investigate the synergistic effects of cellulose and BiFeO3 on ionic conductivity and interfacial stability.
- To evaluate the performance of the novel separator in LIBs.
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning of cellulose acetate precursor followed by alkaline hydrolysis.
- Incorporation of BiFeO3 nanoparticles into the cellulose matrix.
- Structural, chemical, and morphological characterization (FT-IR, EDS, SEM).
- Electrochemical testing including ionic conductivity, charge transfer resistance, and cycling stability.
Main Results:
- The RE:C-BFO separator showed a 1.91x improvement in electrolyte wettability and a nearly 2-order magnitude increase in ionic conductivity.
- It exhibited low charge transfer resistance (48 Ω) and maintained ~78% capacity retention after 100 cycles.
- The separator demonstrated stable operation for up to 500 cycles, with discharge capacity approaching graphite's theoretical limit.
Conclusions:
- The BiFeO3-enhanced regenerated cellulose separator offers superior electrolyte wetting and ionic conduction.
- The ferroelectric properties of BiFeO3 effectively mitigate lithium dendrite nucleation and growth.
- This provides a promising route for developing safer and more durable next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
