A novel pyridinium-based organic ionic plastic crystal for ambient temperature solid polymer electrolytes

• Published in: Ionics Vol. 29; no. 8; pp. 3119 - 3128
• Main Authors: Huang, Chenxi, Liao, Zhu, Zhang, Zhengxi, Yang, Li, Orita, Akihiro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.08.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Ambient temperature; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed Matter Physics; Electrochemistry; Electrolytes; Electrolytic cells; Energy Storage; Ion currents; Ions; Lithium; Lithium batteries; Mechanical properties; Molten salt electrolytes; Optical and Electronic Materials; Polymers; Renewable and Green Energy; Solid electrolytes; Solid state; Temperature; Vinylidene; Vinylidene fluoride; Lithium metal battery; Ambient temperature; Solid polymer electrolytes; Organic ionic plastic crystal
• ISSN: 0947-7047; 1862-0760
• DOI: 10.1007/s11581-023-05017-8

The development of solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) systems is a promising strategy for improving the safety of lithium batteries. However, the practical implementation of these systems is often hindered by their limited ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures and poor interfacial contact with the electrodes. To address these issues, a novel pyridine-based organic ionic plastic crystal (OIPC) was synthesized and combined with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVH) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) to create a porous SPE, which was named SPE-Pyr 1 FSI/PVH (80:20). The SPE possessed desirable characteristics such as remarkable mechanical properties, nonflammability, high ionic conductivity (1.18 mS cm −1 at 25 °C), and a large electrochemical window (5.85 V vs. Li + /Li). Moreover, solid-state Li/LiFePO 4 cells based on this SPE exhibited excellent rate capability, as well as cycling performance at ambient temperature. Specifically, the discharge capacity of the cells remained at 134.0 mAh g −1 at 1.0 C current density over 500 cycles. This study provides new insights into the design of ambient temperature solid-state electrolytes for lithium batteries and highlights the efficacy of OIPC in enhancing the performance of SPEs.