Enabling Scalable Polymer Electrolyte with Synergetic Ion Conductive Channels via a Two Stage Rheology Tuning UV Polymerization Strategy

Lithium metal batteries with polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrolytes are considered as one of the ideal candidates for next generation power sources. However, the low ambient operation capability and conventional solvent-based fabrication process of PEO limit their large-scale application. In this work, a comb-like quasi-solid polymer electrolyte (QPE) reinforced with polyethylene glycol terephthalate nonwoven is fabricated. Combining the density functional theory calculation analysis and polymer structure design, optimized and synergized ion conductive channels are established by copolymerization of tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate and introduction of plasticizer tetramethyl urea. Additionally, a unique two-stage solventless UV polymerization strategy is utilized for rheology tuning and electrolyte fabrication. Compared with the conventional one-step UV process, this strategy is ideally suited for the roll-to-roll continuous coating fabrication process with environmental friendliness. The fabricated QPE exhibits high ionic conductivity of 0.40 mS cm(-1) and Li+ transference number (t = 0.77) at room temperature. LiFePO4//Li batteries are assembled to evaluate battery performance, which deliver excellent discharge capacity (144.9 mAh g(-1) at 0.5 C) and cycling stability (with the retention rate 94.5% at 0.5 C after 200 cycles) at room temperature. The results demonstrate that it has high potential for solid-state lithium metal batteries.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the use of a comb-like quasi-solid polymer electrolyte (QPE) to enhance the performance of lithium metal batteries. By optimizing the ion conductive channels and utilizing a unique solventless UV polymerization strategy, the fabricated QPE exhibits excellent ion conductivity and cycling stability. These results indicate that QPE has a high potential for solid-state lithium metal batteries.