Incombustible solid polymer electrolytes:A critical review and perspective

Since the advent of the solid-state batteries,employing solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)to replace routine flammable liquid electrolytes is regarded to be one of the most promising solutions in pursing highenergy-density battery systems.SPEs with superior thermal stability,good processability,and high mechanical modulus obtain increasing attentions.However,SPE-based batteries are not impenetrable due to their decomposition and combustibility under extreme conditions.Researchers believe incorporating appropriate flame-retardant additives/solvents/fragments into SPEs can intrinsically reduce their flammability to solve the battery safety issues.In this review,the recent research progress of incombustible SPEs,with special emphasis on flame-retardant structural design,is summarized.Specifically,a brief introduction of flame-retardant mechanism,evaluation index for safety of SPEs,and a detailed overview of the latest advances on diverse-types SPEs in various battery systems are highlighted.The deep insight into thermal ru naway process,the free-standing incombustible GPEs,and the ratio nal design of pouch cell structures may be the main directions to motivate revolutionary next-generation for safety batteries.

In-situ polymerized PEO-based solid electrolytes contribute better Li metal batteries:Challenges,strategies,and perspectives

Polyethylene oxide(PEO)-based solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)with good electrochemical stability and excellent Li salt solubility are considered as one of the most promising SPEs for solid-state lithium metal batteries(SSLMBs).However,PEO-based SPEs suffer from low ionic conductivity at room temperature and high interfacial resistance with the electrodes due to poor interfacial contact,seriously hindering their practical applications.As an emerging technology,in-situ polymerization process has been widely used in PEO-based SPEs because it can effectively increase Li-ion transport at the interface and improve the interfacial contact between the electrolyte and electrodes.Herein,we review recent advances in design and fabrication of in-situ polymerized PEO-based SPEs to realize enhanced performance in LMBs.The merits and current challenges of various SPEs,as well as their stabilizing strategies are presented.Furthermore,various in-situ polymerization methods(such as free radical polymerization,cationic polymerization,anionic polymerization)for the preparation of PEO-based SPEs are summarized.In addition,the application of in-situ polymerization technology in PEO-based SPEs for adjustment of the functional units and addition of different functional filler materials was systematically discussed to explore the design concepts,methods and working mechanisms.Finally,the challenges and future prospects of in-situ polymerized PEO-based SPEs for SSLMBs are also proposed.

Polymer dispersed ionic liquid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity for ultrastable solid-state lithium batteries

Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have emerged as one of the most promising candidates for building solid-state lithium batteries due to their excellent flexibility,scalability,and interfacial compatibility with electrodes.However,the low ionic conductivity and poor cyclic stability of SPEs do not meet the requirements for practical applications of lithium batteries.Here,a novel polymer dispersed ionic liquid-based solid polymer electrolyte(PDIL-SPE)is fabricated using the in situ polymerization-induced phase separation(PIPS)method.The as-prepared PDIL-SPE possesses both outstanding ionic conductivity(0.74 mS cm^(-1) at 25℃)and a wide electrochemical window(up to 4.86 V),and the formed unique three-dimensional(3D)co-continuous structure of polymer matrix and ionic liquid in PDIL-SPE can promote the transport of lithium ions.Also,the 3D co-continuous structure of PDIL-SPE effectively accommodates the severe volume expansion for prolonged lithium plating and stripping processes over 1000 h at 0.5 mA cm^(-2) under 25℃.Moreover,the LiFePO_(4)//Li coin cell can work stably over 150 cycles at a 1 C rate under room temperature with a capacity retention of 90.6%from 111.1 to 100.7 mAh g^(-1).The PDIL-SPE composite is a promising material system for enabling the ultrastable operation of solid-state lithium-metal batteries.

A gel polymer electrolyte with IL@UiO-66-NH_(2) as fillers for high-performance all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

All solid-state electrolytes have the advantages of good mechanical and thermal properties for safer energy storage,but their energy density has been limited by low ionic conductivity and large interfacial resistance caused by the poor Li~+transport kinetics due to the solid-solid contacts between the electrodes and the solid-state electrolytes.Herein,a novel gel polymer electrolyte(UPP-5)composed of ionic liquid incorporated metal-organic frameworks nanoparticles(IL@MOFs)is designed,it exhibits satisfying electrochemical performances,consisting of an excellent electrochemical stability window(5.5 V)and an improved Li^(+)transference number of 0.52.Moreover,the Li/UPP-5/LiFePO_(4) full cells present an ultra-stable cycling performance at 0.2C for over 100 cycles almost without any decay in capacities.This study might provide new insight to create an effective Li^(+)conductive network for the development of all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries.

Solid polymer electrolytes in all-solid-state lithium metal batteries:From microstructures to properties

All-solid-state lithium(Li)metal batteries(ASSLMBs)are considered one of the most promising secondary batteries due to their high theoretical capacity and high safety performance.However,low room-temperature ionic conductivity and poor interfacial stability are two key factors affecting the practical application of ASSLMBs,and our understanding of the mechanisms behind these key problems from microscopic perspective is still limited.In this review,the mechanisms and advanced characterization techniques of ASSLMBs are summarized to correlate the microstructures and properties.Firstly,we summarize the challenges faced by solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)in ASSLMBs,such as the low roomtemperature ionic conductivity and the poor interfacial stability.Secondly,several typical improvement methods of polymer ASSLMBs are discussed,including composite SPEs,ultra-thin SPEs,SPEs surface modification and Li anode surface modification.Finally,we conclude the characterizations for correlating the microstructures and the properties of SPEs,with emphasis on the use of emerging advanced techniques(e.g.,cryo-transmission electron microscopy)for in-depth analyzing ASSLMBs.The influence of the microstructures on the properties is very important.Until now,it has been difficult for us to understand the microstructures of batteries.However,some recent studies have demonstrated that we have a better understanding of the microstructures of batteries.Then we suggest that in situ characterization,nondestructive characterization and sub-angstrom resolution are the key technologies to help us further understand the batteries'microstructures and promote the development of batteries.And potential investigations to understand the microstructures evolution and the batteries behaviors are also prospected to expect further reasonable theoretical guidance for the design of ASSLMBs with ideal performance.

Mechanism of high Li-ion conductivity in poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide)cross-linked network based electrolyte revealed by solid-state NMR

Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have become increasingly important in advanced lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)due to their improved safety and mechanical properties compared to organic liquid electrolytes.Cross-linked polymers have the potential to further improve the mechanical property without trading off Li-ion conductivity.In this study,focusing on a recently developed cross-linked SPE,i.e.,the one based on poly(vinylene carbonate)-poly(ethylene oxide)cross-linked network(PVCN),we used solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)techniques to investigate the fundamental interaction between the chain segments and Li ions,as well as the lithium-ion motion.By utilizing homonuclear/heteronuclear correlation,CP(cross-polarization)kinetics,and spin-lattice relaxation experiments,etc.,we revealed the structural characteristics and their relations to lithium-ion mobilities.It is found that the network formation prevents poly(ethylene oxide)chains from crystallization,which could create sufficient space for segmental tumbling and Li-ion co nductio n.As such,the mechanical property is greatly improved with even higher Li-ion mobilities compared to the poly(vinylene carbonate)or poly(ethylene oxide)based SPE analogues.

Status and prospect of garnet/polymer solid composite electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium batteries

Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs), such as polyethylene oxide(PEO), are characteristic of good flexibility and excellent processability, but they suffer from low ionic conductivity and small Li+transference number at ambient temperature. Inorganic solid electrolytes(ISEs), garnet-type Li7La3Zr2O12 and its derivatives(LLZO-based) in particular, possess high ionic conductivity at room temperature, wide electrochemical stability window, large Li+transference number as well as good stability against Li metal anode.Nevertheless, lithium dendrites growth, interfacial contact issue and brittle nature of LLZO-based ceramic electrolytes prevent their practical applications. In response to these shortcomings, LLZO-based/polymer solid composite electrolytes(SCEs), taking complementary advantages of two kinds of electrolytes, and thus simultaneously improving the electrode wettability, ionic conductivity and mechanical strength, have been made to develop high-performance SCEs in recent years. Herein, the intrinsic properties and research progress of LLZO-based/polymer SCEs, including LLZO-based/PEO SCEs(LLZO-based/PEO SCEs with uniform dispersion of LLZO-based fillers and LLZO-based/PEO layered SCEs) and LLZO-based/novel polymers SCEs, are summarized. Besides, comprehensive updates on their applications in solid-state batteries are also presented. Finally, challenges and perspectives of LLZO-based/polymer SCEs for advanced allsolid-state lithium batteries(ASSLBs) are suggested. This review paper aims to provide systematic research progress of LLZO-based/polymer SCEs, to allow for more efficient and target-oriented research on improving LLZO-based/polymer SCEs.

Mechanistically Novel Frontal-Inspired In Situ Photopolymerization:An Efficient Electrode|Electrolyte Interface Engineering Method for High Energy Lithium Metal Polymer Batteries

The solvent-free in situ polymerization technique has the potential to tailor-make conformal interfaces that are essential for developing durable and safe lithium metal polymer batteries(LMPBs).Hence,much attention has been given to the eco-friendly and rapid ultraviolet(UV)-induced in situ photopolymerization process to prepare solid-state polymer electrolytes.In this respect,an innovative method is proposed here to overcome the challenges of UV-induced photopolymerization(UV-curing)in the zones where UV-light cannot penetrate,especially in LMPBs where thick electrodes are used.The proposed frontal-inspired photopolymerization(FIPP)process is a diverged frontal-based technique that uses two classes(dual)of initiators to improve the slow reaction kinetics of allyl-based monomers/oligomers by at least 50%compared with the conventional UV-curing process.The possible reaction mechanism occurring in FIPP is demonstrated using density functional theory calculations and spectroscopic investigations.Indeed,the initiation mechanism identified for the FIPP relies on a photochemical pathway rather than an exothermic propagating front forms during the UV-irradiation step as the case with the classical frontal photopolymerization technique.Besides,the FIPP-based in situ cell fabrication using dual initiators is advantageous over both the sandwich cell assembly and conventional in situ photopolymerization in overcoming the limitations of mass transport and active material utilization in high energy and high power LMPBs that use thick electrodes.Furthermore,the LMPB cells fabricated using the in situ-FIPP process with high mass loading LiFePO_(4)electrodes(5.2 mg cm^(-2))demonstrate higher rate capability,and a 50%increase in specific capacity against a sandwich cell encouraging the use of this innovative process in large-scale solid-state battery production.

A Self-Healing and Nonflammable Cross-Linked Network Polymer Electrolyte with the Combination of Hydrogen Bonds and Dynamic Disulfide Bonds for Lithium Metal Batteries

The self-healing solid polymer electrolytes(SHSPEs)can spontaneously eliminate mechanical damages or micro-cracks generated during the assembly or operation of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs),significantly improving cycling performance and extending service life of LIBs.Here,we report a novel cross-linked network SHSPE(PDDP)containing hydrogen bonds and dynamic disulfide bonds with excellent self-healing properties and nonflammability.The combination of hydrogen bonding between urea groups and the metathesis reaction of dynamic disulfide bonds endows PDDP with rapid self-healing capacity at 28°C without external stimulation.Furthermore,the addition of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide(EMIMTFSI)improves the ionic conductivity(1.13×10^(−4)S cm^(−1)at 28°C)and non-flammability of PDDP.The assembled Li/PDDP/LiFePO_(4)cell exhibits excellent cycling performance with a discharge capacity of 137 mA h g^(−1)after 300 cycles at 0.2 C.More importantly,the self-healed PDDP can recover almost the same ionic conductivity and cycling performance as the original PDDP.

Functional additives for solid polymer electrolytes in flexible and high-energy-density solid-state lithium-ion batteries

Solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have become increasingly attractive in solid-state lithium-ion batteries(SSLIBs)in recent years because of their inherent properties of flexibility,processability,and interfacial compatibility.However,the commercialization of SPEs remains challenging for flexible and high-energy-density LIBs.The incorporation of functional additives into SPEs could significantly improve the electrochemical and mechanical properties of SPEs and has created some historical milestones in boosting the development of SPEs.In this study,we review the roles of additives in SPEs,highlighting the working mechanisms and functionalities of the additives.The additives could afford significant advantages in boosting ionic conductivity,increasing ion transference number,improving high-voltage stability,enhancing mechanical strength,inhibiting lithium dendrite,and reducing flammability.Moreover,the application of functional additives in high-voltage cathodes,lithium-sulfur batteries,and flexible lithiumion batteries is summarized.Finally,future research perspectives are proposed to overcome the unresolved technical hurdles and critical issues in additives of SPEs,such as facile fabrication process,interfacial compatibility,investigation of the working mechanism,and special functionalities.

The critical role of inorganic nanofillers in solid polymer composite electrolyte for Li+transportation

Compared with commercial lithium batteries with liquid electrolytes,all-solidstate lithium batteries(ASSLBs)possess the advantages of higher safety,better electrochemical stability,higher energy density,and longer cycle life;therefore,ASSLBs have been identified as promising candidates for next-generation safe and stable high-energy-storage devices.The design and fabrication of solid-state electrolytes(SSEs)are vital for the future commercialization of ASSLBs.Among various SSEs,solid polymer composite electrolytes(SPCEs)consisting of inorganic nanofillers and polymer matrix have shown great application prospects in the practice of ASSLBs.The incorporation of inorganic nanofillers into the polymer matrix has been considered as a crucial method to achieve high ionic conductivity for SPCE.In this review,the mechanisms of Li+transport variation caused by incorporating inorganic nanofillers into the polymer matrix are discussed in detail.On the basis of the recent progress,the respective contributions of polymer chains,passive ceramic nanofillers,and active ceramic nanofillers in affecting the Li+transport process of SPCE are reviewed systematically.The inherent relationship between the morphological characteristics of inorganic nanofillers and the ionic conductivity of the resultant SPCE is discussed.Finally,the challenges and future perspectives for developing high-performance SPCE are put forward.This review aims to provide possible strategies for the further improvement of ionic conductivity in inorganic nanoscale filler-reinforced SPCE and highlight their inspiration for future research directions.

Improving ionic conductivity of polymer-based solid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries

Because of its superior safety and excellent processability,solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs)have attracted widespread attention.In lithium based batteries,SPEs have great prospects in replacing leaky and flammable liquid electrolytes.However,the low ionic conductivity of SPEs cannot meet the requirements of high energy density systems,which is also an important obstacle to its practical application.In this respect,escalating charge carriers(i.e.Li^(+))and Li^(+)transport paths are two major aspects of improving the ionic conductivity of SPEs.This article reviews recent advances from the two perspectives,and the underlying mechanism of these proposed strategies is discussed,including increasing the Li^(+)number and optimizing the Li^(+)transport paths through increasing the types and shortening the distance of Li^(+)transport path.It is hoped that this article can enlighten profound thinking and open up new ways to improve the ionic conductivity of SPEs.

Enhancing interfacial stability in solid-state lithium batteries with polymer/garnet solid electrolyte and composite cathode framework

The solid-state lithium battery is considered as an ideal next-generation energy storage device owing to its high safety,high energy density and low cost.However,the poor ionic conductivity of solid electrolyte and low interfacial stability has hindered the application of solid-state lithium battery.Here,a flexible polymer/garnet solid electrolyte is prepared with poly(ethylene oxide),poly(vinylidene fluoride),Li6.75La3 Zr1.75Ta0.25O12,lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and oxalate,which exhibits an ionic conductivity of 2.0 ×10^(-4) S cm^(-1) at 55℃,improved mechanical property,wide electrochemical window(4.8 V vs.Li/Li+),enhanced thermal stabilities.Tiny acidic OX was introduced to inhibit the alkalinity reactions between Li6.75La3 Zr1.75Ta0.25O12 and poly(vinylidene fluoride).In order to improve the interfacial stability between cathode and electrolyte,an Al2 O3@LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 based composite cathode framework is also fabricated with poly(ethylene oxide) polymer and lithium salt as additives.The solid-state lithium battery assembled with polymer/garnet solid electrolyte and composite cathode framework demonstrates a high initial discharge capacity of 150.6 mAh g^(-1) and good capacity retention of 86.7% after 80 cycles at 0.2 C and 55℃,which provides a promising choice for achieving the stable electrode/electrolyte interfacial contact in solid-state lithium batteries.

Self-assembly synthesis of solid polymer electrolyte with carbonate terminated poly (ethylene glycol) matrix and its application for solid state lithium battery

A facile one-pot synthesis of solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs), composed of carbonate terminated poly(ethylene glycol)(CH3O-PEG-IC), poly(ethylene glycol)-block-polystyrene(PEG-b-PS) block copolymer nanoparticles containing a conductive PEG corona, fumed SiO2 and Li TFSI salt via polymerization-induced self-assembly is proposed. This method to prepare SPEs has the advantages of one-pot convenient synthesis, avoiding use of organic solvent and conveniently adding inorganic additives. CH3O-PEG-IC combines advantages of PEG and polycarbonate, the in situ synthesized PEG-b-PS nanoparticles containing a rigid polystyrene(PS) core and a PEG corona guarantee continuous lithium ion transport in the synthesized SPEs, and the fumed SiO2 optimizes the interfacial properties and improves the electrochemical stability, all of which afford SPEs a well considerable room temperature ionic conductivity of 1.73 × 10^-4S/cm, high lithium transference number of 0.53, and wide electrochemical stability window of 5.5 V(vs. Li^+/Li). By employing these SPEs, the assembled solid state cells of Li FePO4 |SPEs|Li exhibit considerable cell performance.

3D flame-retardant skeleton reinforced polymer electrolyte for solid-state dendrite-free lithium metal batteries

For solid polymer electrolytes(SPEs),improving their mechanical and electrochemical properties is the key to obtaining batteries with higher safety and higher energy density.Herein,a novel synergistic strategy proposed is preparing a 3D flame-retardant skeleton(3DPA)and adding nano-multifunctional fillers(Li-ILs@ZIF-8).In addition to providing mechanical support for the polyethylene oxide(PEO)matrix,3DPA also has further contributed to the system’s flame retardancy and further improved the safety.Simultaneously,the electrochemical performance is fully guaranteed by rigid Li-ILs@ZIF-8,which provides fast migration channels forLi^(+),reduces the crystallinity of PEO and effectively inhibits lithium dendrites.The limiting oxygen index of the optimal sample(PL3Z/PA)is as high as 20.5%,and the ionic conductivity reaches 2.89×10^(-4) and 0.91×10^(-3) S cm^(-1) at 25 and 55°C,respectively.The assembled Li|PL3Z/PA|Li battery can be cycled stably for more than 1000 h at a current density of 0.1 m A cm^(-2) without short circuit being pierced by lithium dendrites.The specific capacity of the LFP|PL3Z/PA|Li battery was 160.5 m Ah g^(-1) under a current density of 0.5 C,and the capacity retention rate was 90.0%after 300 cycles.

Thermal, Mechanical and Electrical Properties of the PEO-based Solid Polymer Electrolytes Filled by Yttrium Oxide Nanoparticles

The novel composite lithium solid polymer electrolytes （SPEs） composed of polyethylene oxide （PEO） matrix and yttrium oxide （Y2O3） nanofillers were prepared by a solution casting method. The crystal morphology of the SPEs was characterized by polarized optical microscope （POM） and wide-angle X-ray diffraction （WAXD）. The induced nucleation and steric hindrance effects of Y2O3 nanofillers result in the increased amount as well as decreased size of PEO spherulites which are closely related to the crystallinity of the SPEs. As the Y2O3 contents increase from 0 wt% to 15 wt%, the crystallinity of the SPEs decreases proportionally. The thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of the SPEs were investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis （TGA）, dynamic mechanical analysis （DMA） and AC impedance method, respectively. The physical properties including thermal, mechanical and electrical performances, depending remarkably on the polymer-filler interactions between PEO and Y2O3 nanoparticles, are improved by different degrees with the increase of Y2O3 contents. The （PEO）21LiI/10 wt%Y2O3 composite SPE exhibits the optimal room-temperature ionic conductivity of 5.95×10-5 Scm-1, which satisfies the requirements of the conventional electrochromic devices.

Promote the conductivity of solid polymer electrolyte at room temperature by constructing a dual range ionic conduction path

Poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO)is a classic matrix model for solid polymer electrolyte which can not only dissociate lithium-ions(Li^(+)),but also can conduct Li^(+) through segmental motion in long-range.However,the crystal aggregation state of PEO restricts the conduction of Li^(+) especially at room temperature.In this work,an amorphous polymer electrolyte with ethylene oxide(EO)and propylene oxide(PO)block structure(B-PEG@DMC)synthesized by the transesterification is firstly obtained,showing an ionic conductivity value of 1.1×10^(5) S/cm at room temperature(25℃).According to the molecular dynamics(MD)simulation,the PO segments would lead to an inconsecutive and hampered conduction of Li^(+),which is not beneficial to the short range conduction of Li^(+).Thus the effect of transformation of aggregation state on the improveme nt of ionic conductivity is not eno ugh,it is n ecessary to further consider the differe nt coupled behaviours of EO and PO segments with Li^(+).In this way,we blend this amorphous polymer(B-PEG@DMC)with PEO to obtain a dual range ionic conductive solid polymer electrolyte(D-SPE)with further improved ionic conductivity promoted by constructing a dual range fast ionic conduction,which eventually shows a further improved ionic conductivity value of 2.3×10^(5) S/cm at room temperature.

Preparation and characterization of poly(lithium acrylate-arcylonitrile)/LiClO_4-LiNO_3-LiBr solid polymer electrolytes

Through orthogonal experiment, a new type of LiClO4-LiNO3-LiBr eutectic salt with optimum mole ratio of n（LiClO4）∶n（LiNO3）∶n（LiBr）=1.6∶3.8∶1.0 was prepared. The poly（lithium acrylate-acrylonitrile）/LiClO4-LiNO3-LiBr solid polymer electrolytes were prepared with poly（lithium acrylate-acrylonitrile） and （LiClO4-LiNO3-LiBr） eutectic salts. The effect of LiClO4-LiNO3-LiBr eutectic salts content on the conductivity of solid polymer electrolytes was studied by alternating current impedance method, and the structures of eutectic salts and solid polymer electrolytes were characterized by differential thermal analysis, infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry. The results show that the room temperature conductivity of LiClO4-LiNO3-LiBr eutectic salts reaches (3.11×10-4 S·cm-1.) The poly（lithium acrylate-acrylonitrile）/LiClO4-LiNO3-LiBr solid polymer electrolytes possess the highest room temperature conductivity at 70% LiClO4-LiNO3-LiBr eutectic salts content, and exhibit lower glass transition temperature of 75 ℃ compared with that of poly（lithium acrylate-acrylonitrile） of 105 ℃. A complex may be formed in the solid polymer electrolytes from the differential thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy analysis. X-ray diffraction results show that the poly（lithium acrylate-acrylonitrile） can suppress the crystallization of eutectic salts in this system.

Effect of Hydrogen Reduction of Silver Ions on the Performance and Structure of New Solid Polymer Electrolyte PEI/Pebax2533/AgBF4 Composite Membranes

In this paper, the effect of hydrogen reduction of silver ions on the performance and structure of new solid polymer electrolyte polyetherimide (PEI)/Pebax2533 (Polynylon12/tetramethylene oxide block copolymer, PA12-PTMO)/AgBF4 composite membranes is investigated. For PEI/Pebax2533/AgBF4 composite membranes prepared with different AgBF4 concentration, the permeances of propylene and ethylene increase with the increase of AgBF4 concentration due to the carrier-facilitated transport, resulting in a high selectivity. But for propyl-ene/propane mixture, the mixed-gas selectivity is lower than its ideal selectivity. The hydrogen reduction strongly influences the membrane performance, which causes the decrease of propylene permeance and the increase of pro-pane permeance. With the increase of hydrogen reduction time, the membranes show a clearly color change from white to brown, yielding a great selectivity loss. The data of X-ray diffraction and FT-IR prove that silver ions are reduced to Ag0 after hydrogen reduction, and aggregated on the surface of PEI/Pebax2533/AgBF4 composite mem-branes.

Electrochemical Performance of Solid Polymer Electrolyte PEO_(20)-LiTf-Urea_(1.5)

A new solid polymer electrolyte PEO20-LiTf-Urea1.5 was prepared by solution casting technique. The energy of frontier orbitals for the components of the electrolyte was predicted by quantum chemistry calculations, and TG stability and electrochemical features were measured. Urea exhibited a lower HOMO energy than PEO, implying its enhanced stability against electrochemical oxidation. Experimentally addition of urea increases the ionic conductivity, which guarantees conductivity requirement for lithium ion batteries. It also results in significant improved electrochemical stability with good thermal stability. Favorable lithium stripping/plating performance is yielded, and it confirms the good stability of the solid electrolyte interphase for the PEO20-LiTf-Urea1.5 system.