Converting Nafion into Li+-Conductive Nanoporous Materials

Sulfonated polymers have long been used as proton-conducting materials in fuel cells, and their ionic transport features are highly attractive for electrolytes in lithium-ion/metal batteries (LIBs/LMBs). However, most studies are still based on a preconceived notion of using them directly as polymeric ionic carriers, which precludes exploring them as nanoporous media to construct efficient lithium ions (Li+) transport network. Here, effective Li+-conducting channels realized by swelling nanofibrous Nafion is demonstrated, which is a classical sulfonated polymer in fuel cells. The sulfonic acid groups, interact with LIBs liquid electrolytes to form porous ionic matrix of Nafion and assist partial desolvation of Li+-solvates to further enhance Li+ transport. Li-symmetric cells and Li-metal full cells (Li4Ti5O12 or high-voltage LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 as a cathode) with such membrane show excellent cycling performance and stabilized Li-metal anode. The finding provides a strategy to convert the vast sulfonated polymer family into efficient Li+ electrolyte, promoting the development of high-energy-density LMBs.

Automated summary

Sulfonated polymers are widely used in fuel cells as proton-conducting materials and their ionic transport features make them attractive for electrolytes in lithium-ion/metal batteries. This study demonstrates the use of swollen nanofibrous Nafion as effective Li+-conducting channels, which enhances Li+ transport by forming a porous ionic matrix and promoting partial desolvation of Li+-solvates. The application of this membrane in Li-symmetric cells and Li-metal full cells shows excellent cycling performance and stabilized Li-metal anode, providing a strategy to convert sulfonated polymers into efficient Li+ electrolytes and promoting the development of high-energy-density LMBs.