Safety-Reinforced Poly(Propylene Carbonate)-Based All-Solid-State Polymer Electrolyte for Ambient-Temperature Solid Polymer Lithium Batteries

An integrated preparation of safety-reinforced poly(propylene carbonate)-based all-solid polymer electrolyte is shown to be applicable to ambient-temperature solid polymer lithium batteries. In contrast to pristine poly(ethylene oxide) solid polymer electrolyte, this solid polymer electrolyte exhibits higher ionic conductivity, wider electrochemical window, better mechanical strength, and superior rate performance at 20 degrees C. Moreover, lithium iron phosphate/lithium cell using such solid polymer electrolyte can charge and discharge even at 120 degrees C. It is also noted that the solid-state soft-package lithium cells assembled with this solid polymer electrolyte can still power a red light-emitting diode lamp without suffering from internal short-circuit failures even after cutting off one part of the battery. Considering the aspects mentioned above, the solid polymer electrolyte is eligible for practical lithium battery applications with improved reliability and safety. Just as important, a new perspective that the degree of amorphous state of polymer is also as critical as its low glass transition temperature for the exploration of room temperature solid polymer electrolyte is illustrated. In all, this study opens up a kind of new avenue that could be a milestone to the development of high-voltage and ambient-temperature all-solid-state polymer electrolytes.