Polymer-Laden Composite Lignin-Based Electrolyte Membrane for High-Performance Lithium Batteries

Abstract

Lignin is an eco-friendly, low-cost, and abundant natural biopolymer. However, few studies have explored the potential application of lignin as electrolyte matrix for lithium-ion batteries or obtained excellent cell performance using lignin-based electrolyte. In this paper, lignin and poly­(N-vinylimidazole)-co-poly­(poly­(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) are mixed thoroughly in water, then a free-standing lignin-based film is obtained by casting and drying. The resulting film shows obviously higher mechanical strength (over 10 times) than that of the pure lignin film due to the construction of internal physical cross-linking network. Through activation of the prepared film by organic electrolyte, the membrane exhibits superior electrochemical performances (such as outstanding lithium-ion transfer number (0.63) and the ability to inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites). As a result, the LiFePO4/lignin-based electrolyte/Li cell presents excellent long cycle performance (∼150 mAh g–1 at 1 C more than 450 cycles) and rate capacity (110 mAh g–1 at 10 C) at room temperature (RT), which is better than that of the cells using a commercial separator. Moreover, the LiCoO2/lignin-based electrolyte/Li cell also shows superior cell performance at RT. Thus, the lignin-based electrolyte with the outstanding comprehensive property has the potential to replace separator and to be widely applied in high-performance and high-safety LIBs.

Advances in Natural Biopolymer‐Based Electrolytes and Separators for Battery Applications

“…Reproduced with permission. [ 56 ] Copyright 2018, American Chemical Society. b) Scheme showing GPE preparation using a lignocellulose matrix.…”

Lignin–Inorganic Interfaces: Chemistry and Applications from Adsorbents to Catalysts and Energy Storage Materials

“…[139] Nanofibers produced from alkali lignin and poly(vinyl alcohol) and membranes obtained from crosspolymerized lignin have been applied as porous separators for Li-ion batteries. [140,141] The interface between lignin and inorganic charge carriers opens up applications of lignin-inorganic composite membranes also for Li-S [142] and Zn-ion [143] batteries. Zn-ion batteries show high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g À1 ), low electrochemical potential (À0.76 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode), operability in aqueous electrolytes, and high abundance.…”

Lignin‐derived electrochemical energy materials and systems

“…Typical applications of lignin in (a–c) electrolytes and (d) binders and additives in electrode: (a) Synthesis of lignin‐PVP as a high‐performance and environment‐friendly gel polymer electrolyte for LIBs; (b) preparation route of lignin/LCP electrolyte membrane for high‐performance LIBs; (c) schematic of the lignin flow battery system assembly; (d) schematic illustration of the silicon‐lignin composite with lignin as both binder and conductive additive of silicon anode …”

“…A free‐standing film electrolyte with high mechanical strength was obtained just by mixing lignin and poly ( N ‐vinylimidazole)‐co‐poly (poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) in water (Fig. ) . Because of its aromatic structural advantages, modified lignin‐derived phenolics were also used in LIBs electrolytes .…”