3D flame-retardant skeleton reinforced polymer electrolyte for solid-state dendrite-free lithium metal batteries

For solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs), improving their mechanical and electrochemical properties is the key to obtaining batteries with higher safety and higher energy density. Herein, a novel synergistic strategy proposed is preparing a 3D flame-retardant skeleton (3DPA) and adding nano-multifunctional fillers (Li-ILs@ZIF-8). In addition to providing mechanical support for the polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrix, 3DPA also has further contributed to the system's flame retardancy and further improved the safety. Simultaneously, the electrochemical performance is fully guaranteed by rigid Li-ILs@ZIF-8, which provides fast migration channels for Li+, reduces the crystallinity of PEO and effectively inhibits lithium dendrites. The limiting oxygen index of the optimal sample (PL3Z/PA) is as high as 20.5%, and the ionic conductivity reaches 2.89 x 10(-4) and 0.91 x 10(-3) S cm 1 at 25 and 55 degrees C, respectively. The assembled Li vertical bar PL3Z/PA vertical bar Li battery can be cycled stably for more than 1000 hat a current density of 0.1 mA cm(-2) without short circuit being pierced by lithium dendrites. The specific capacity of the LFP vertical bar PL3Z/PA vertical bar Li battery was 160.5 mAh g(-1) under a current density of 0.5 C, and the capacity retention rate was 90.0% after 300 cycles. (C) 2022 Science Press and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by ELSEVIER B.V. and Science Press. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article introduces a novel synergistic strategy for solid polymer electrolytes by preparing a 3D flame-retardant skeleton and adding nano-multifunctional fillers, improving the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the electrolyte, and enhancing the safety and energy density of the battery.