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Nanosponge-Based Composite Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Safer Li-O 2 Batteries.

Authors :
Amici J
Torchio C
Versaci D
Dessantis D
Marchisio A
Caldera F
Bella F
Francia C
Bodoardo S
Source :
Polymers [Polymers (Basel)] 2021 May 17; Vol. 13 (10). Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 May 17.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Li-O <subscript>2</subscript> batteries represent a promising rechargeable battery candidate to answer the energy challenges our world is facing, thanks to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, the poor cycling stability of the Li-O <subscript>2</subscript> system and, overall, important safety issues due to the formation of Li dendrites, combined with the use of organic liquid electrolytes and O <subscript>2</subscript> cross-over, inhibit their practical applications. As a solution to these various issues, we propose a composite gel polymer electrolyte consisting of a highly cross-linked polymer matrix, containing a dextrin-based nanosponge and activated with a liquid electrolyte. The polymer matrix, easily obtained by thermally activated one pot free radical polymerization in bulk, allows to limit dendrite nucleation and growth thanks to its cross-linked structure. At the same time, the nanosponge limits the O <subscript>2</subscript> cross-over and avoids the formation of crystalline domains in the polymer matrix, which, combined with the liquid electrolyte, allows a good ionic conductivity at room temperature. Such a composite gel polymer electrolyte, tested in a cell containing Li metal as anode and a simple commercial gas diffusion layer, without any catalyst, as cathode demonstrates a full capacity of 5.05 mAh cm <superscript>-2</superscript> as well as improved reversibility upon cycling, compared to a cell containing liquid electrolyte.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2073-4360
Volume :
13
Issue :
10
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Polymers
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
34067902
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13101625