Block copolymer derived 3-D interpenetrating multifunctional gyroidal nanohybrids for electrical energy storage

• Published in: Energy & environmental science Vol. 11; no. 5; pp. 1261 - 1270
• Main Authors: Werner, J. G., Rodríguez-Calero, G. G., Abruña, H. D., Wiesner, U.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 01.01.2018; Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
• Subjects: Batteries; Block copolymers; Electrochemical analysis; Electrochemistry; Energy storage; Flux density; Nanofabrication; Open circuit voltage; Storage batteries; Storage systems; Sulfur; Synthesis; Voltage
• ISSN: 1754-5692; 1754-5706
• DOI: 10.1039/C7EE03571C

Electrical energy storage systems such as batteries would benefit enormously from integrating all device components in three-dimensional (3-D) architectures on the nanoscale to improve their power capability without negatively impacting the device-scale energy density. However, the lack of large scale synthesis methods of 3-D architectures with precise spatial control of multiple, functional energy materials at the nanoscale remains a key issue holding back the development of such intricate device designs. To achieve fully integrated, multi-material nano-3-D architectures, next-generation nanofabrication requires departure from the traditional top-down patterning methods. Here, we present an approach to such systems based on the bottom-up synthesis of co-continuous nanohybrids with all necessary functional battery components rationally integrated in a triblock terpolymer derived core–shell double gyroid architecture. In our design three-dimensional periodically ordered, functional anode and cathode nanonetworks are separated by an ultrathin electrolyte phase within a single 3-D nanostructure. All materials are less than 20 nm in their layer dimensions, co-continuous and interpenetrating in 3-D, and extended throughout a macroscopic monolith. The electrochemical analysis of our solid-state nano-3-D Li-ion/sulfur system demonstrated battery-like characteristics with stable open circuit voltage, reversible discharge voltage and capacity, and orders of magnitude decreases in footprint area compared to two-dimensional thin layer designs.