This technique uses uniaxial stretching to create flame-retardant, high-performing electrolytes for next-gen batteries.
Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology have developed a method to extend the operational life of solid-state batteries by physically modifying the electrolyte layer. By applying uniaxial stretching to a fluorinated polymer electrolyte, the team achieved approximately 78% capacity retention after 200 charge-discharge cycles.
This performance marks a distinct improvement over the 55% retention rate observed in batteries utilizing unstretched electrolytes under identical conditions.The study, published in the journal Energy Storage Materials, quantifies the impact of this technique on ion transport. “Experimental results showed that the lithium-ion diffusion rate in the stretched polymer electrolyte increased by 4.8 times compared to unstretched samples, with ionic conductivity improving by 72%,” said the researchers.Enhanced safety featuresSafety testing accompanied the performance evaluations. The research team confirmed that the new electrolyte possesses significant flame-retardant properties. During combustion tests, flames applied to the material extinguished within four seconds of ignition. This characteristic is relevant for the electric vehicle industry, where the flammability of current organic liquid electrolytes remains a primary safety concern.Focus on structural arrangementThe technical approach focuses on the structural arrangement of the electrolyte material. The team used a fluorinated polymer film, PVDF-TrFE-CFE.In its standard state, the polymer chains in this material are convoluted and entangled, hindering the efficient movement of lithium ions between the cathode and anode. The researchers applied a mechanical stretching process to align these polymer chains in a single direction.“This physical stretching unfolds the convoluted polymer structure, opening up continuous pathways for lithium-ion movement,” explained the researchers.“Additionally, incorporating ceramic powder into the polymer matrix enhances mechanical flexibility, flame retardancy, and ion conductivity.”The addition of this ceramic component is intended to enhance the mechanical flexibility of the film while also improving its flame-retardant properties and ionic conductivity.Validation for commercializationTo validate the practical application of this material, the team integrated the stretched electrolyte into lithium-metal batteries equipped with lithium iron phosphate cathodes. “When integrated into lithium-metal batteries with lithium iron phosphate cathodes, the stretched electrolyte contributed to a notable increase in battery lifespan,” remarked the team.“This research demonstrates that the inherent issues of polymer electrolytes—such as hindered lithium-ion transport—can be effectively addressed through a simple physical process like stretching,” explained Jonggeon Na, a researcher at the School of Energy and Chemical Engineering at UNIST and the study’s first author.The study suggests that this processing technique could be adapted for mass production. Unlike inorganic solid electrolytes, which can be brittle and difficult to manufacture in large formats, polymer variants offer greater flexibility.Professor Seok Ju Kang, who led the research, commented on the scalability of the findings. “Polymer electrolytes are more flexible and easier to produce at scale compared to inorganic solid electrolytes. The method developed in this study can be applied to various types of polymer electrolytes, accelerating the commercialization of safer, longer-lasting all-solid-state batteries,” Kang concluded.
Electric Vehicle Energy &Amp Environment Solid-State Battery
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