ZIF-8-functionalized polymer electrolyte with enhanced performance for high-temperature solid-state lithium metal batteries

• Published in: Rare metals Vol. 43; no. 3; pp. 984 - 994
• Main Authors: Zhang, Jin-Fang, Wang, Yuan-Yuan, Li, Xiao-Feng, Zhang, Gen-Yan, Li, Ying, Liu, Rong, Hu, Sheng-Liang, Hu, Tuo-Ping, Knibbe, Ruth, Xia, Qing-Bing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Beijing Nonferrous Metals Society of China 01.03.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biomaterials; Cathodic polarization; Chemistry and Materials Science; Electrolytes; Energy; High temperature; Interface stability; Ion currents; Lewis acid; Lithium; Lithium batteries; Materials Engineering; Materials Science; Metal surfaces; Metallic Materials; Molten salt electrolytes; Nanocomposites; Nanoscale Science and Technology; Original Article; Physical Chemistry; Polymers; Solid electrolytes; Solid state; Lithium metal batteries; Interfacial compatibility; Metal-organic frameworks; Solid polymer electrolytes; Lithium metal anode
• ISSN: 1001-0521; 1867-7185
• DOI: 10.1007/s12598-023-02521-8

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) with high ionic conductivity are desirable for solid-state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) to achieve enhanced safety and energy density. Incorporating nanofillers into a polymeric matrix to develop nanocomposite solid electrolytes (NCSEs) has become a promising method for improving the ionic conductivity of the SPEs. Here, a novel ZIF-8-functionalized NCSE was prepared for high-temperature SSLMBs using an in situ radical polymerization method. It is found that the ZIF-8 nanoparticles could reduce the crystallinity of polymer segments and offer a Lewis acid surface that promotes the dissociation of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and stabilizes the TFSI − anion movement. Thus, the as-prepared NCSE exhibits an outstanding ionic conductivity of 1.63 × 10 –3 S·cm −1 , an electrochemical stability window of 5.0 V at 80 °C, and excellent interface compatibility with lithium metal anode with a stable polarization over 2000 h. Furthermore, the assembled SSLMBs with LiFePO 4 cathode show dendrite-free Li-metal surface, good rate capability, and stable cycling stability with a capacity retention of 70% over 1000 cycles at a high temperature of 80 °C. This work provides valuable insights into promoting the ionic conductivity of SPEs. Graphic abstract