Examination of the fundamental relation between ionic transport and segmental relaxation in polymer electrolytes

Replacing traditional liquid electrolytes by polymers will significantly improve electrical energy storage technologies. Despite significant advantages for applications in electrochemical devices, the use of solid polymer electrolytes is strongly limited by their poor ionic conductivity. The classical theory predicts that the ionic transport is dictated by the segmental motion of the polymer matrix. As a result, the low mobility of polymer segments is often regarded as the limiting factor for development of polymers with sufficiently high ionic conductivity. Here, we show that the ionic conductivity in many polymers can be strongly decoupled from their segmental dynamics, in terms of both temperature dependence and relative transport rate. Based on this principle, we developed several polymers with “superionic” conductivity. The observed fast ion transport suggests a fundamental difference between the ionic transport mechanisms in polymers and small molecules and provides a new paradigm for design of highly conductive polymer electrolytes.     

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.     

Li+电池固态聚合物电解质研究进展

固态聚合物电解质具有高安全性、高成膜性和黏弹性等优点,并与电极具有良好的接触性和相容性,是实现高安全性和高能量密度固态Li⁺电池的重要电解质体系。然而聚合物电解质室温离子电导率较低（10^-8~10^-6 S·cm^-1）,不能满足固态聚合物电池在常温运行的需求。因此,在提高离子电导率、机械强度和电化学稳定性等本征属性的基础上,同时探究改善电解质/电极的界面处及电极内部的离子输运是研发固态聚合物Li⁺电池面临的关键问题。主要从改性聚合物电解质用以提高Li⁺电池电化学性能的角度出发,综述了凝胶聚合物电解质、全固态聚合物电解质和复合固态电解质中的离子输运机制及其关键参数,总结了近年来聚合物电解质的最新研究进展和未来的发展方向。     

Studies on structural,dielectric and charge transport properties of PVA:LiBr solid polymer electrolyte films

In the present study, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) doped with lithium bromide (LiBr) were prepared by solution casting method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results affirm the complexation of LiBr with PVA. X-ray diffraction results exhibit the increase of amorphous nature of the polymer electrolytes, which is also observed in scanning electron microscopy images and atomic force microscopy topographs. Thermogravimetric analysis thermographs endorse the increase of thermal stability of the polymer due to doping. Dielectric studies exhibit non-Debye nature of the polymer electrolytes. Conductivity spectra reveal the maximum ionic conductivity (1.15 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm) for 20 wt% LiBr/PVA electrolyte at ambient temperature. Impedance analysis reveals the decrease of ionic relaxation in the polymer electrolytes and the studied transport properties of the electrolyte show that the major contribution to the conduction in this polymer electrolyte is ions.     

Polyindole–CuO composite polymer electrolyte containing LiClO<Subscript>4</Subscript> for lithium ion polymer batteries

This study presents the preparation of a composite polymer electrolyte (CPE), polyindole-based CuO dispersed CPE containing lithium perchlorate by sol–gel method. Morphology and the structural studies were conducted by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The ionic conductivity of CPE was measured for different concentration of the monomer by impedance spectroscopy. CPE containing CuO/indole (2:1 w/w ratio) (CPE3) exhibited enhanced conductivity of 1.9498 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm at RT. This CPE showed a linear relationship between the ionic conductivity and the reciprocal of the temperature, indicative of the system decoupled from the segmental motion of the polymer.     

AC complex impedance measurement of comb-like type polyether electrolytes under high-pressure carbon dioxide

The effect of high-pressure carbon dioxide on ionic conductivity for comb-like type polyether electrolytes based on oligo(oxyethylene glycol) methacrylate with lithium triflate, LiCF₃SO₃, has been investigated for the first time. Our investigations have focused on the correlation between the segmental motion of the polymer side chains and the efficiency of ion transport under supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) conditions. Consequently, the ionic conductivity under the condition of 10 MPa and 40 °C CO₂ sample was more than 30 times elevated compared with the original one. The improvement of ionic conductivity is attributed to an increase in the polymer segmental motion via a decrease in activation volume and enhanced the number of charge carriers. The temperature dependence of log σ followed Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher (VTF) equation. However, the pressure dependence under scCO₂ condition was ascribed to the Arrhenius behavior resulting in an increase of the ionic conductivity with increasing the pressure.     

Solid polymer electrolyte based on waterborne polyurethane for all‐solid‐state lithium ion batteries

A series of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on comb‐like nonionic waterborne polyurethane (NWPU) and LiClO₄ are fabricated via a solvent free process. The NWPU‐based SPEs have sufficient mechanical strength which is beneficial to their dimensional stability. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicates that the phase separation occurs by the addition of the lithium salt. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses illustrate the good compatibility between LiClO₄ and NWPU. Fourier transform infrared study reveals the complicated interactions among lithium ions with the amide, carbonyl and ether groups in such SPEs. AC impedance spectroscopy shows the conductivity of the SPEs exhibiting a linear Arrhenius relationship with temperature. The ionic conductivity of the SPE with the mass content of 15% LiClO₄ (SPE15) can reach 5.44 × 10^?6 S cm^?1 at 40 °C and 2.35 ×10^?3 S cm^?1 at 140 °C. The SPE15 possesses a wide electrochemical stability window of 0–5 V (vs. Li+/Li) and thermal stability at 140 °C. The excellent properties of this new NWPU‐based SPE are a promising solid electrolyte candidate for all‐solid‐state lithium ion batteries. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 45554.     

A foaming process to prepare porous polymer membrane for lithium ion batteries

A foaming process was used to prepare porous polymer membranes (PPMs) based on poly(vinylidene diflouride-co-hexafluoropropylene) copolymer for lithium ion batteries. In this simple process, urea, the foaming agent, was decomposed into gases and was removed at an elevated temperature to get the porous structure within the polymer matrix. When the weight ratio of urea to P(VDF-HFP) is 5:6, the PPM presents the highest porosity, 70.2%, and the prepared gelled polymer electrolyte shows an ionic conductivity up to 1.43 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature. This provides another way to prepare gelled polymer electrolytes easily for application in rechargeable lithium batteries.     

History of Solid Polymer Electrolyte‐Based Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries: A Personal Account

Solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) are believed to be important pathway to overcome the limitations that state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion batteries face in terms of safety and energy density. In addition to transporting ionic species in solid‐state configuration, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are structurally designable and processable, and have been deemed as an auspicious kind of solid electrolyte to access highly‐performant SSLMBs. In this essay, we provide a historical overview on the development of SPE‐based SSLMBs, aiming to highlight the main achievements being made at both material and cell levels. It is hoped that the personal reflection and retrospect presented in this essay give an impetus to inspire the discovery of tantalizing battery materials and improve the overall performance of SPE‐based SSLMBs and other emerging battery technologies.     

聚合物基镁离子固态电解质的研究进展Q

镁离子电池因其比容量高、资源丰富、环境友好、安全性高(无枝晶)等优势,在储能电池领域脱颖而出.然而,镁金属负极在液态电解质中易钝化,导致其电化学性能不佳.因此,开发高效适用的固态电解质对实现高性能、实用化镁离子电池至关重要.聚合物电解质具有优异的机械稳定性、电化学稳定性、热稳定性且离子电导率高、成本低.但镁离子较高的电荷密度和较强的溶剂化作用限制了其在固态电解质中的解离与扩散.从纯固态聚合物电解质、凝胶聚合物电解质、复合聚合物电解质3个方面综述了国内外聚合物基镁离子固态电解质的离子电导率对解决镁金属负极钝化效应的贡献及其应用研究进展,指出聚合物基镁离子固态电解质当前面临的挑战并对其研究方向进行了建议和展望.     

Characterization of poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)-based polymer electrolyte filled with TiO2 nanoparticles

Nanoscale TiO₂ particle filled poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) film is characterized by investigating some properties such as surface morphology, thermal and crystalline properties, swelling behavior after absorbing electrolyte solution, chemical and electrochemical stabilities, ionic conductivity, and compatibility with lithium electrode. Decent self-supporting polymer electrolyte film can be obtained at the range of <50 wt% TiO₂. Different optimal TiO₂ contents showing maximum liquid uptake may exist by adopting other electrolyte solution. Room temperature ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolyte placed surely on the region of >10⁻³ S/cm, and thus the film is very applicable to rechargeable lithium batteries. An emphasis is also be paid on that much lower interfacial resistance between the polymer electrolyte and lithium metal electrode can be obtained by the solid-solvent role of nanoscale TiO₂ filler.     

Preparation and properties of a novel green solid polymer electrolyte for all-solid-state lithium battery

Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE)-based lithium batteries have easy processing and safety for energy vehicles and storage. However, the preparation process of SPEs mostly used a lot of organic solvents, which will threaten human living space and body health. Herein, a novel green solid polymer electrolyte (ionic liquid type waterborne polyurethane, IWPUS) without no organic solvents was prepared from hybrids of ionic liquid-based waterborne polyurethane (IWPU) and LiClO₄. The structure and properties of IWPUS were investigated by IR, SEM, XRD, TGA, ion conductivity test. The results showed that Li⁺ of LiClO₄ could coordinate with  CO and  C O C in the polyurethane matrix. LiClO₄ had been well dispersed in IWPU. The conductivity of IWPUS increased with the increase of LiClO₄ content. The higher conductivity of IWPUS with 20% LiClO₄ at 80°C was 1.8 × 10⁻⁴ s•cm⁻¹. IWPUS based on ionic liquid-based waterborne polyurethane would be promised to become an environmentally friendly candidate for all solid-state lithium ion batteries.     

Ionic conduction,colossal permittivity and dielectric relaxation behavior of solid electrolyte Li3xLa2/3-xTiO3 ceramics

Perovskite-type solid electrolyte lanthanum lithium titanate (LLTO), exhibiting high intrinsic ionic conductivity, has been attracting interests because of its potential use in all solid-state lithium-ion batteries. In this work, we prepared LLTO ceramics by solid state reaction method and studied their conductivity and dielectric properties systematically. It is found that the bulk conductivity of LLTO is several orders of magnitude higher than the grain boundary conductivity. In addition, colossal permittivity was observed in LLTO ceramics in wide frequency/temperature ranges. Two non-Debye type relaxation peaks were observed in the imaginary part of permittivity, resulting from Li⁺ ions motion and accumulation near interfaces of grains/grain boundaries/electrodes. It is suggested that colossal permittivity may originate from the lithium ion dipoles inside the samples and the interfacial polarization of lithium ion accumulation near the grain boundaries. These results clarify the relations among colossal permittivity, relaxation behavior and ionic conduction in solid ion conductor ceramics.     

全固态锂离子电池的研究进展与挑战

全固态锂离子电池具有安全性高、电化学性能优异等优点,但存在电极与电解质界面相容性差、室温离子电导率低等问题。本文总结了以上问题产生的原因及解决方案。对于正极界面,可复合正极材料与固态电解质、构造三维多孔结构固态电解质或在界面处引入缓冲层。对于负极界面,可设计界面层、原位聚合生成固态电解质、构造固态电解质骨架或使用自愈合和弹性固态电解质。对于固态电解质自身,以聚氧化乙烯（PEO）固态聚合物电解质为例,可添加增塑剂、无机陶瓷填料或构造聚合物共混物与嵌段共聚物。最后,对今后的研究方向提出了建议：应注重优化电极/固态电解质界面层;探索锂离子传输机理;构建具有高离子电导率的固态电解质等。     

聚合物及离子液体电解质在锂二次电池中的应用

系统地介绍了锂离子二次电池电解质,特别是聚合物电解质及离子液体电解质的应用研究现状。开发具有高能量密度、稳定的充放电性能、循环寿命长、可塑性、高安全性与低成本的锂离子电池是当前的研究热点。离子液体具有较高的离子电导率、宽电化窗口,且无蒸汽压,而聚合物具有良好的机械加工性能。二者的结合将为锂离子电池电解质的研究提供了新的开发思路。     

Effect of silica on the interfacial stability of the PEO-based polymer electrolytes

Summary In order to evaluate the effect of silica on stabilizing the interface of lithium metal electrode/solid polymer electrolyte, the cyclic behavior for silica-free and silica-containing polymer electrolyte under electrical stress was investigated using cyclic voltammetry. These electrolytes have an ionic conductivity of the order 10^-4 S/cm at above 60°C and most importantly the introduction of hydrophilic silica in PEO-based polymer electrolyte has brought about the enhanced stability of lithium metal electrode/polymer electrolyte interface especially under electrical stress. This in turn supports the suitability of the composite polymer electrolytes with hydrophilic silica for fabrication of enhanced rechargeable solid lithium polymer batteries. Received: 7 May 2002/ Revised version: 10 July 2002/ Accepted: 12 July 2002     

锂离子电池固态聚合物电解质研究进展

电解质是制备高功率密度和高能量密度、长循环寿命的锂离子电池的重要材料之一,而聚合物电解质是实现全固态锂离子电池的关键技术.总结近几年来为提高聚合物电解质电导率所作研究的新进展,并提出了今后的研究方向.     

Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes for solid-state lithium-ion batteries with enhanced electrochemical properties

Solid-state polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have attracted significant attention owing to their improvement in high energy density and high safety performance. However, the low lithium-ion conductivity of SPEs at room temperature restricts their further application in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we propose a novel poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based nanocomposite polymer electrolytes by blending boron-containing nanoparticles (BNs) in the PEO matrix (abbreviated as: PEO/BNs NPEs). The boron atom of BNs is sp²-hybridized and contains an empty p-orbital that can interact with the anion of lithium salt, promoting the dissociation of the lithium salts. In addition, the introduction of the BNs could reduce the crystallinity of PEO. And thus, the ionic conductivity of PEO/BNs NPEs could reach as high as 1.19 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 60°C. Compared to the pure PEO solid polymer electrolyte (PEO SPEs), the PEO/BNs NPEs showed a wider electrochemical window (5.5 V) and larger lithium-ion migration number (0.43). In addition, the cells assembled with PEO/BNs NPEs exhibited good cycle performance with an initial discharge capacity of 142.5 mA h g⁻¹ and capacity retention of 87.7% after 200 cycles at 2 C (60°C).     

Characteristics of PVdF-HFP/TiO2 composite membrane electrolytes prepared by phase inversion and conventional casting methods

Porous poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP)-based polymer membranes filled with various contents of titania (TiO₂) nanocrystalline particles are prepared by phase inversion technique and, along with conventional casting method for comparison. N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent is used to dissolve the polymer and to make the slurry with TiO₂. Cast film is obtained by spreading the slurry and evaporating NMP in a dry oven, while phase inversion membrane by promptly immersing the spread slurry into flowing water as a non-solvent. Physical and electrochemical characterizations, such as morphology, thermal and crystalline behavior, and other transport properties of lithium ionic species, are carried out for the polymer films/membranes and the polymer electrolytes with absorbing an electrolyte solution. Phase inversion polymer electrolytes are proved to show superior behaviors in electrochemical properties, such as ionic conductivity, electrochemical and interfacial stability, than cast film electrolytes. This is greatly owed to highly porous structure of phase inversion membranes. Even including the feature of interfacial resistance with lithium electrode, phase inversion polymer electrolytes of PVdF-HFP/(5-20 wt.% TiO₂) can be optimized as the adequate ones in applying to the electrolyte medium of lithium rechargeable batteries.     

Lithium ion transport through nonaqueous perfluoroionomeric membranes

The transport properties of lithiated perfluorinated ionomers imbibed with nonaqueous solvents and solvent mixtures were studied. Polymeric ion‐exchange membranes have potential use in the next generation single‐ion secondary lithium polymer batteries, where the lithiated form of the membrane is used as a polymer electrolyte. The novelty of the approach for lithium battery applications lies in the advantage offered by a transference number of unity, no additional salt (e.g., LiPF₆) is needed, and the excellent physical and chemical stability of the fluoropolymers. Ion‐exchange membranes were converted to the Li⁺ salt form and analyzed for total conversion using FT‐IR. Nonaqueous solvents and solvent mixtures were imbibed into the membranes in a glove box, and the uptake was measured over time. A four‐point probe was used to determine the ionic conductivity based on impedance measurements performed over a frequency range of 10 to 35,000 Hz. Conductivities exceeding 10^?4 S/cm with transference numbers of unity were achieved making these ionomeric membranes potentially useful in rechargeable lithium polymer batteries.