Unique core–shell structured SiO2(Li+) nanoparticles for high-performance composite polymer electrolytes

Abstract

Core–shell structured SiO₂ nanoparticles with controlled morphology were synthesized and used as functional fillers in Li⁺-conducting composite polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion polymer batteries. The composite polymer electrolytes prepared with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) and core–shell SiO₂(Li⁺) nanoparticles exhibited high ionic conductivity, good mechanical strength and favorable interfacial characteristics. Tests run on carbon/LiNi_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3O₂ cells with composite polymer electrolyte containing optimized SiO₂(Li⁺) nanoparticles yielded excellent results in terms of capacity retention (95% after 100 cycles) and rate capability (167 mA h g⁻¹ at 5 C rate).