Close-packed poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticle arrays-coated polyethylene separators for high-power lithium-ion polymer batteries

In an endeavor to improve the discharge C-rate performance of lithium-ion polymer batteries targeting high-power applications, we develop a novel gel polymer electrolyte-coated separator, which is based on introduction of close-packed poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) nanoparticle arrays onto a polyethylene (PE) separator. In contrast to a conventional PMMA dense coating layer, a noticeable feature of the PMMA nanoparticle array coating layer is its highly ordered nanoporous structure, i.e. well-connected interstitial voids formed between the close-packed PMMA nanoparticles. This unique morphology allows for not only favorable liquid electrolyte wettability but also facile ionic conduction of the PMMA nanoparticle arrays-coated separator, both of which play crucial roles in improving the discharge C-rate performance of cells assembled with the separator. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.