Nature-Derived Cellulose-Based Composite Separator for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are emerging power sources for the replacement of lithium-ion batteries. Recent studies have focused on the development of electrodes and electrolytes, with thick glass fiber separators (∼380 µm) generally adopted. In this work, we introduce a new thin (∼50 µm) cellulose-polyacrylonitrile-alumina composite as a separator for SIBs. The separator exhibits excellent thermal stability with no shrinkage up to 300 • C and electrolyte uptake with a contact angle of 0 •. The sodium ion transference number, t + Na , of the separator is measured to be 0.78, which is higher than that of bare cellulose (t + Na : 0.31). These outstanding physical properties of the separator enable the long-term operation of NaCrO 2 cathode/hard carbon anode full cells in a conventional carbonate electrolyte, with capacity retention of 82% for 500 cycles. Time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectroscopy analysis reveals the additional role of the Al 2 O 3 coating, which is transformed into AlF 3 upon long-term cycling owing to HF scavenging. Our findings will open the door to the use of cellulose-based functional separators for high-performance SIBs.

Paper bacterial battery based on polymer as degradable sources of energy

“…Cellulose can be considered an attractive factor in the manufacturing of batteries for flexible electronic devices due to its unique properties and its ability to degradation [12][13][14], which reduces electronic waste, and can utilize it in fabricate many functional layers such as catalysts, electrodes, separator, and reservoirs, (Figure 1) demonstrated a cellulose paper used as a substrate for paper bacterial battery (PBB), the papery cellulose filling represents an appropriate surface for loading the bacterial suspension through the capillary properties of the cellulose [15]1 [6], moreover easy to stack and can be combined into more than one interface, also Wax-treated cellulose function layer represents a convenient and effective medium for transporting protons and blocking electrons [10], cellulose also provides a wide range of options for manufacturing low-cost, bio-efficient, and environmentally friendly functional papers [17 and 18]. By shaping their delocalized electron systems, the integrated polymers were used for different purposes like electrodes, electro catalytic, and chemical separation [19].…”

Research Progress and Perspective on Lithium/Sodium Metal Anodes for Next‐Generation Rechargeable Batteries

“…Separators should be designed based on type of battery and electrolyte composition. [161,162] Separator modification involves methods such as morphology optimization, layer-by-layer assembly, composite formation, surface functionalization, and coatings on the separator. [163] Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of functionalized separators with design strategies.…”

“…A wide variety of factors should be considered while selecting a suitable separator, such as porosity, pore size, thickness, wettability, and types of material. Separators should be designed based on type of battery and electrolyte composition [161,162] . Separator modification involves methods such as morphology optimization, layer‐by‐layer assembly, composite formation, surface functionalization, and coatings on the separator [163] .…”

Interconnected Porous Poly(ether imide) Separator for Thermally Stable Sodium Ion Battery

“…In addition, pores of the substrate separators are easily blocked by inorganic or organic coating, lowering the battery performance. Another alternative strategy is to develop new types of separators based on thermally stable engineered polymers, − such as polyimide (PI), PEI, − and poly­(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) . Kim et al prepared a thermally stable poly­(ethylene- co -vinyl acetate) (EVA)/polyimide (PI)/EVA (PIE) trilayer separator for SIBs via electrospinning.…”