A Polymerized-Ionic-Liquid-Based Polymer Electrolyte with High Oxidative Stability for 4 and 5 V Class Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries

Polymer solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries typically suffer from low ionic conductivity and low oxidative stability. Herein, a polymer electrolyte based on a polymerized ionic liquid and an ionic liquid plasticizer offering simultaneously a high room-temperature ionic conductivity of 0.8 mS cm(-1) and a high oxidative stability >5.0 V versus Li+/Li, is reported. The electrolyte is compatible with lithium metal and non-flammable upon direct flame exposure. In symmetric lithium metal cells, the electrolyte enables stable lithium plating and stripping at 0.1 mA cm(-2) with a capacity of 1 mAh cm(-2) per half cycle for over 1700 h at 25 degrees C. Cells with a lithium metal anode cycled against a state-of-the-art high-energy uncoated layered LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode achieve an initial capacity of 162 mA h g(-1) and a capacity retention of 72% after 600 cycles to an upper cut-off voltage of 4.4 V at 25 degrees C. Cells with a high-voltage spinel LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 cathode reach an initial capacity of 132 mAh g(-1) and a capacity retention of 76% after 300 cycles to an upper cut-off voltage of 5 V at 25 degrees C, confirming the high oxidative stability and technological potential of this electrolyte for high-voltage solid-state lithium metal batteries.

Automated summary

The article reports a polymer electrolyte based on a polymerized ionic liquid and an ionic liquid plasticizer, which offers high ionic conductivity and oxidative stability. The electrolyte shows promising performance in lithium metal batteries, enabling stable cycling.