High-Modulus, High-Conductivity Nanostructured Polymer Electrolyte Membranes via Polymerization-Induced Phase Separation

Schulze, Morgan W.; McIntosh, Lucas D.; Hillmyer, Marc A.; Lodge, Timothy P.

doi:10.1021/nl4034818

Cited by 297 publications

(342 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…This characteristic indicates the exceptional homogeneity of the sample, without any noticeable presence of aggregates or voids. This finding is consistent with the results in the literature, which also show the similar morphology and structure of cross-linked PEO 28 and PEO-PS copolymer 29 . The zoom out images of the membranes under SEM is shown in Figure S2, which show uniform and smooth appearances.…”

Section: (C) Membranes Used In This Worksupporting

confidence: 93%

Highly Conductive, Sulfonated, UV-Cross-Linked Separators for Li–S Batteries

Nath

et al. 2016

Chem. Mater.

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Metal (based on Li, Na, Mg, or Al)-sulfur batteries are promising candidates for rechargeable electrochemical energy storage devices capable of high charge storage. However, the success of metal-sulfur battery technology calls for solutions of fundamental problems associated with the inherently complex solution chemistry and interfacial reactivity of sulfur and polysulfide species in commonly used electrolytes. It is understood that the dissolution and shuttling of polysulfides induce rapid capacity degradation, poor cycling stability and low efficiency of the cells. Herein, we report on the synthesis and transport properties of membranes containing sulfonate groups that are able to rectify transport of polysulfide species in liquid electrolytes. Comprised of a cross-linked polyethylene glycol (PEG) framework containing pendant SO 3 2-groups, the membranes facilitate electrolyte wetting and Li + ion transport, but are highly selective in preventing migration of negatively charged sulfur species (S n 2-) dissolved in liquid electrolytes.We argue that the ion rectifying properties originate from two sources, the small tortuous pores originating from cross-linking small PEG molecules and from repulsive electrostatic interactions between the pendant SO 3 2-groups and large migrating S n 2-species. Here we demonstrate the effectiveness of such membranes in Li-S batteries, wherein we find that the materials enable high-efficiency (>98%) cycling in additives-free electrolyte. Such membranes are also attractive in other electrochemical cell designs where they serve to decouple transport of positive and negative charged ions in the electrolyte to minimize polarization.

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Section: (C) Membranes Used In This Worksupporting

confidence: 93%

Highly Conductive, Sulfonated, UV-Cross-Linked Separators for Li–S Batteries

Nath

et al. 2016

Chem. Mater.

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“…For example, a meso structured bicontinuous membrane comprising interpenetrating nano domains of highly crosslinked polystyrene and polyethylene oxide in ionic liquid exhibited an unprecedented combination of high elastic modulus and ionic conductivity above 100 °C (REF. 213). Moreover, proton-conducting mesoporous materials, such as phosphotungstic-acid-functionalized mesoporous silica, have shown great potential as membranes for fuel cells that operate at elevated temperatures because of their outstanding stability and efficient proton conductivity at temperatures higher than 100 °C and under low humidity 214,215 .…”

Section: Fuel Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mesoporous materials for energy conversion and storage devices

2016

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At present, more than 80% of the energy consumed globally is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. The combustion of these fuels inevitably leads to the emission of CO 2 -a main driver of climate change and other serious environmental effects, including the emission of other dangerous gases. Although mitigating climate change is a multifaceted challenge, one of the pillars of any future low-carbon economy will be a substantially increased dependence on renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources and storage systems. Tremendous progress is being made in developing advanced technologies to meet these challenges. However, to enable the cost-effective, large-scale production of these technologies, further improvement of performance and efficiency is needed. Although unique challenges exist for each technology, the development of functional materials is crucial.Porous solids -in particular, mesoporous solids -are appealing materials in many energy applications owing to their ability to absorb and interact with guest species (including, but not limited to, lithium ions, hydrogen atoms and sulfur molecules) on their outer and inner surfaces, and in the pore spaces 1,2 . According to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) definition, porous materials are classified into three categories according to their pore sizes: micro porous (<2 nm), mesoporous (2-50 nm) or macro porous (>50 nm). Since the first report of mesoporous silica in the 1990s 3,4 , the variety of mesoporous materials available has rapidly expanded, encompassing a very broad range of compositions.Mesoporous materials have exceptional properties, including ultrahigh surface areas, large pore volumes, tunable pore sizes and shapes, and also exhibit nanoscale effects in their mesochannels and on their pore walls. These features are particularly advantageous for applications in energy conversion and storage [5][6][7][8][9][10] . In principle, high surface areas should provide a large number of reaction or interaction sites for surface or interface-related processes such as adsorption, separation, catalysis and energy storage; however, a high surface area does not necessarily translate to an improved performance in applications. Large pore volumes have shown promise in the loading of guest species and in the accommodation of the expansion and strain relaxation during repeated electrochemical energy storage processes. Uniform and tunable mesopore channels facilitate the transport of atoms, ions and large molecules through the bulk of the material, thereby increasing the number of active sites with high accessibility and overcoming the size restriction encountered with microporous materials. In addition, there are fascinating nanoconfinement effects in the voids of uniform mesochannels, which are advantageous in catalysis and energy storage. 3D nanometre-sized frameworks can produce extraordinary nanoscale effects (that is, surface and quantum effects) that result in mesoporous materials with u...

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“…[22][23][24][25] In an effort to address above-mentioned issues, there has been an ongoing search over the past few decades to boost the overall performance of solid polymer electrolyte, such as composite polymer electrolytes, interpenetrating network polymer electrolyte, nonwoven reinforced solid polymer electrolyte, and new materials for solid polymer electrolytes. [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35] Despite these great efforts, solid polymer electrolyte with relatively low ionic conductivity, inferior mechanical strength, and narrow electrochemical window are still not satisfactory enough to meet practical needs. On the basis of this, it is essential to explore new solid polymer electrolyte with comprehensive performance in terms of high ionic conductivity, proper mechanical strength, superior heat resistance, wider electrochemical window, and excellent battery performance at room temperature.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Safety‐Reinforced Poly(Propylene Carbonate)‐Based All‐Solid‐State Polymer Electrolyte for Ambient‐Temperature Solid Polymer Lithium Batteries

Zhang

Zhao

et al. 2015

Advanced Energy Materials

567

368

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An integrated preparation of safety‐reinforced poly(propylene carbonate)‐based all‐solid polymer electrolyte is shown to be applicable to ambient‐temperature solid polymer lithium batteries. In contrast to pristine poly(ethylene oxide) solid polymer electrolyte, this solid polymer electrolyte exhibits higher ionic conductivity, wider electrochemical window, better mechanical strength, and superior rate performance at 20 °C. Moreover, lithium iron phosphate/lithium cell using such solid polymer electrolyte can charge and discharge even at 120 °C. It is also noted that the solid‐state soft‐package lithium cells assembled with this solid polymer electrolyte can still power a red light‐emitting diode lamp without suffering from internal short‐circuit failures even after cutting off one part of the battery. Considering the aspects mentioned above, the solid polymer electrolyte is eligible for practical lithium battery applications with improved reliability and safety. Just as important, a new perspective that the degree of amorphous state of polymer is also as critical as its low glass transition temperature for the exploration of room temperature solid polymer electrolyte is illustrated. In all, this study opens up a kind of new avenue that could be a milestone to the development of high‐voltage and ambient‐temperature all‐solid‐state polymer electrolytes.

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High-Modulus, High-Conductivity Nanostructured Polymer Electrolyte Membranes via Polymerization-Induced Phase Separation

Cited by 297 publications

References 36 publications

Highly Conductive, Sulfonated, UV-Cross-Linked Separators for Li–S Batteries

Highly Conductive, Sulfonated, UV-Cross-Linked Separators for Li–S Batteries

Mesoporous materials for energy conversion and storage devices

Safety‐Reinforced Poly(Propylene Carbonate)‐Based All‐Solid‐State Polymer Electrolyte for Ambient‐Temperature Solid Polymer Lithium Batteries

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