Ionically Cross-Linked Polymers as Asymmetric Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Enhanced Cycle Performance of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Abstract

Two thermoplastic triblock copolymers of poly(εcaprolactone)-based acidic (PCL-A) and basic (PCL-B) polymers are synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. PCL-A and PCL-B are sequentially electrospun on a sulfur electrode and then ionically cross-linked by an acid−base reaction via hot pressing at 70 °C, which is confirmed by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The cross-linked PCL-A/PCL-B-electrospun sulfur electrode is assembled as a lithium−sulfur battery with an asymmetric gel polymer electrolyte. The cross-linked polymer is swollen by a liquid electrolyte to form an asymmetric gel polymer electrolyte. The cyclic voltammetry results indicate that the asymmetric gel polymer electrolyte can suppress the dissolution of lithium polysulfides (Li 2 S n ) into the electrolyte. Furthermore, the lithium−sulfur battery with the asymmetric gel polymer electrolyte exhibits enhanced cycle-life performance.

Pillararene-Based Supramolecular Polymers for Cancer Therapy

“…As a special class of supramolecular polymers, crosslinked supramolecular polymers combine the advantages of supramolecular polymers and crosslinked polymers [ 144 ]. Due to their excellent compatibility, mechanical properties, thermal stability, wear resistance, and creep resistance, crosslinked polymers have a wide range of practical and potential applications in adsorption and separation, catalysis, and drug delivery [ 145 , 146 ]. Pillararenes are recognized as the fifth generation of macrocyclic host molecules, and their rigid structure and easy functionalization endow them with unique advantages in the construction of supramolecular polymers [ 147 ].…”

Emerging Strategies for Gel Polymer Electrolytes with Improved Dual‐Electrode Side Regulation Mechanisms for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries

“…Therefore, the battery with this GPE has a steady CE of 99.5 ~100.0% after 300 cycles at 2 C, and has a capacity maintenance rate of 87.1%. Kuo et al [44] used electrostatic spinning to coat two thermoplastic triblock copolymers on the sulfur cathode surface. The polymers based on ɛ-caprolactone acidic (PCLÀ A) and basic (PCLÀ B) were prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and culminated in an ionic cross-linked network structure (Figure 3b).…”

“…Therefore, the battery with this GPE has a steady CE of 99.5∼100.0% after 300 cycles at 2 C, and has a capacity maintenance rate of 87.1%. Kuo et al [44] . used electrostatic spinning to coat two thermoplastic triblock copolymers on the sulfur cathode surface.…”

Proton‐Induced Defect‐Rich Vanadium Oxides as Reversible Polysulfide Conversion Sites for High‐Performance Lithium Sulfur Batteries

“…Recently, a lot of effort has been devoted to developing strategies to solve the above‐mentioned issues such as the construction of active cathodes, the modification of functional separators, and optimization of the electrolyte [9–18] . As a main component, the separator can not only physically isolate cathode and anode, but also plays an indispensable role in directly suppressing the shuttle of dissolved intermediates [19] .…”