Issue 19, 2024

An all-in-one free-standing single-ion conducting semi-solid polymer electrolyte for high-performance practical Li metal batteries

Abstract

Single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes, characterized by effective Li+ transport and dendrite mitigation, are emerging as promising candidates for the highly demanded lithium metal batteries. However, despite the promise, their current ionic conductivity and Li+ transference number fall short of application requirements. Herein, we have developed a free-standing single-ion conducting semi-solid polymer electrolyte (PBSIL), engineered through the synergistic interaction between anion acceptors and solvated ionic liquids. This innovative chemical synergy significantly enhances the complete dissociation of lithium salts while immobilizing anions, thus facilitating rapid Li+ transport. As a result, the PBSIL electrolyte exhibits enhanced ionic conductivity of 8.0 × 10−4 S cm−1, and an improved Li+ transference number of 0.75. These features effectively mitigate concentration polarization and dendrite growth, ensuring long-term cell stability. Moreover, Li|PBSIL|LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cells demonstrate an ultra-long cycle life of 1300 cycles, with a high discharge capacity of 183 mA h g−1 and excellent capacity retention of 75%. Additionally, PBSIL has been successfully integrated for the first time into the production of winding-processed semi-solid state cylindrical and Z-stacked pouch lithium metal batteries. Through the synergistic regulation of Li+ transport and anion immobilization, PBSIL provides an effective design strategy for free-standing semi-solid polymer electrolytes, showcasing superior electrochemical performance and contributing to the development and industrialization of long-cycling lithium metal batteries.

Graphical abstract: An all-in-one free-standing single-ion conducting semi-solid polymer electrolyte for high-performance practical Li metal batteries

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
21 May 2024
Accepted
16 Aug 2024
First published
19 Aug 2024

Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 7119-7128

An all-in-one free-standing single-ion conducting semi-solid polymer electrolyte for high-performance practical Li metal batteries

J. Zhang, J. Zhu, R. Zhao, J. Liu, X. Song, N. Xu, Y. Liu, H. Zhang, X. Wan, Y. Ma, C. Li and Y. Chen, Energy Environ. Sci., 2024, 17, 7119 DOI: 10.1039/D4EE02208D

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements