Effective pore control and enhanced strength of cellulose acetate using polyethylene glycol for improved battery stability

Water-channels were generated into cellulose acetate (CA) via the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and water-assisted pressures. It was found that the PEG used as the plasticizer could enable pores in CA to be controlled. Since the PEG had a relatively small molecular weight, it easily penetrated into polymer chains and formed abundant free volumes in the CA, enabling the pore control. In addition, the PEG enhanced the thermal stability of CA by forming new bipolar interactions and hydrogen bonding between the CA chains and the hydroxyl groups of PEG. From these results, it could be expected that due to the low cost and eco-friendliness of PEG and CA, they could be widely used to manufacture separators used in batteries.

Automated summary

Water-channels were created in cellulose acetate by adding polyethylene glycol (PEG) and using water-assisted pressures, allowing for controlled pore formation. PEG, acting as a plasticizer, easily penetrated into polymer chains, creating free volumes and enhancing thermal stability through new interactions with CA chains. Due to the cost-effectiveness and eco-friendliness of PEG and CA, they have the potential for widespread use in battery separator manufacturing.