High sodium ionic conductivity in PEO/PVP solid polymer electrolytes with InAs nanowire fillers

Abstract

Solid-state sodium ion batteries are frequently referred to as the most promising technology for next-generation energy storage applications. However, developing a suitable solid electrolyte with high ionic conductivity, excellent electrolyte–electrode interfaces, and a wide electrochemical stability window, remains a major challenge. Although solid-polymer electrolytes have attracted great interest due to their low cost, low density and very good processability, they generally have significantly lower ionic conductivity and poor mechanical strength. Here, we report on the development of a low-cost composite solid polymer electrolyte comprised of poly(ethylene oxide), poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and sodium hexafluorophosphate, mixed with indium arsenide nanowires. We show that the addition of 1.0% by weight of indium arsenide nanowires increases the sodium ion conductivity in the polymer to 1.50 × 10−4 Scm−1 at 40 °C. In order to explain this remarkable characteristic, we propose a new transport model in which sodium ions hop between close-spaced defect sites present on the surface of the nanowires, forming an effective complex conductive percolation network. Our work represents a significant advance in the development of novel solid polymer electrolytes with embedded engineered ultrafast 1D percolation networks for near-future generations of low-cost, high-performance batteries with excellent energy storage capabilities.

A sulfur-containing polymer-plasticized poly(ethylene oxide)-based electrolyte enables highly effective lithium dendrite suppression

“…To further quantify the degree of crystallinity, the fusion enthalpy (DH f ) is deduced from the endothermic peak in the DSC curves, and then the crystalline degrees of PEO, PEO-1%SCP, PEO-5%SCP and PEO-8%SCP are calculated to be 39.7%, 32.9%, 30.9% and 34.2%, respectively (Table S1 †). 42 The XRD patterns of as-prepared electrolytes show two peaks located at 18.6 and 22.7 , corresponding to the characteristics of PEO. 43 And then, the calculated crystallinities of PEO, PEO-1%SCP, PEO-5%SCP and PEO-8%SCP are 40.1%, 30.4%, 27.8% and 31.7%, respectively, which are consistent with DSC results.…”

Gel Polymer Electrolytes Design for Na‐Ion Batteries

“…[ 12–16 ] In contrast, polymer solid‐state electrolytes (including polyethylene oxide, polyacrylonitrile, polymethylmethacrylate, and polyvinylidene fluoride) possess flexibility and improved interfaces, but the low ionic conductivity limits the applications. [ 17–74 ] Therefore, the gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) with combined advantages of liquid electrolytes and polymer electrolytes to achieve high ionic conductivity and good interfacial contact have drawn great attention in recent years. Besides, the addition of inorganic electrolytes or fillers can further improve their thermal stability and mechanical properties.…”

Ionic Conductivity, Na Plating–Stripping, and Battery Performance of Solid Polymer Na Ion Electrolyte Based on Poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)

“…Next-generation energy storage technologies require excellent safety, low-cost materials, and high energy density. − Solid-state sodium-ion batteries (ss-SIBs) are believed to be a promising alternative to commercially available lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to low materials costs, the abundance and availability of sodium over lithium, and greatly improved safety. , Commercially available organic liquid or gel electrolyte-based LIBs exhibit low thermal stability, high flammability, high volatility, and leakage of toxic organic solvents. , In the liquid-based LIBs and SIBs, premature battery failure may take place when the electrolyte continuously reacts with the electrode and causes dendrite-induced internal short circuits . In contrast, solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) could prevent this short circuit because they have the ability to physically block metal dendrites .…”