Low-Cost Hollow Mesoporous Polymer Spheres and All-Solid-State Lithium, Sodium Batteries

A practical, low-cost synthesis of hollow mesoporous organic polymer (HMOP) spheres is reported. The electrochemical properties of Li+/Na+-electrolyte membranes with these spheres substituting for oxide filler particles in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-filler composite are explored. The electrolyte membranes are mechanically robust, thermally stable to over 250 degrees C, and block dendrites from a metallic-lithium/sodium anode. The Li+/Na+ transfer impedance across the lithium/sodium-electrolyte interface is initially acceptable at 65 degrees C and scavenging of impurities by the porous-spheres filler lowers this impedance relative to that with Al2O3. All-solid-state Li/LiFePO4 and Na/NaTi2(PO4)(3) cells give stable discharge capacity of approximate to 130 and 80 mAh g(-1), respectively, at 0.5 C and 65 degrees C for 100 cycles.