Preparation and characterization of poly(vinylidene fluoride)-13X zeolite mixed matrix membranes for lithium ion batteries' separator with enhanced performance

13X zeolite was hydrothermally synthesized and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/13X zeolite particles mixed matrix membranes were prepared using phase inversion method as the lithium-ion battery separator. Hydrophilic and porous 13X zeolite loading impacts on the critical separator properties of morphology, wettability, electrolyte uptake, and high temperatures dimensional stability were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, contact angle, and thermal shrinkage analysis. Electrolyte uptake of the 13X zeolite particles loaded PVDF separators increased and also the incorporation facilitated the lithium ions migration (ion conductivity) due to the Lewis acidity of their structure. The 8 wt% 13X zeolite loaded separator (S2) revealed higher porosity (similar to+20%), electrolyte uptake (+80%), ion conductivity (+80%), and thermal shrinkage (similar to-47% at 165 degrees C). C-rate capability and cycle performance of a cell battery assembled using the S2 separator considerably improved compared with those of the assembled by the neat PVDF and commercial polypropylene separators.