Electrospining Machine:Prof. Xianluo Hu, Huazhong University of Science and Technology: An Easily Degradable Composite Nanofiber Membrane for Safe Lithium-ion Batteries

Background

Recently, Prof. Hu Xianluo of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) developed a composite Nanofiber Membrane composed of hydroxyapatite and cellulose Electrospun Nanofbers, its compatibility with ionic-liquid-based electrolytes, and its potential application in high-performance batteries.

The research results were published under the title of “An easily degradable composite separator with high affinity to ionic-liquid-based electrolytes for safe Li-ion batteries The research results were published in the journal Materials Today Physics under the title “An easily degradable composite separator with high affinity to ionic-liquid-based electrolytes for safe Li-ion batteries.

The main points of this paper

1. A composite Nanofiber Membrane consisting of hydroxyapatite and cellulose Electrospun Nanofbers with high wettability and ionic conductivity for safe lithium-ion batteries with ionic liquid electrolytes was designed and prepared.

2. At room temperature, LiFePO4/Li half batteries using the membrane exhibit excellent cycling performance with a capacity of about 130 mAh g-1. The Nanofiber Membrane is also capable of achieving stable battery performance at 80°C.

3. In addition, Nanofiber Membrane has been successful in sodium-ion and zinc-ion batteries. Composite Nanofiber Membrane is easily degradable and is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional polyolefin-based diaphragms for next-generation batteries.

Advantages of using ionic liquid electrolytes in batteries include

Especially stable and safe at high temperatures. Extremely low vapor pressure and non-flammable, reducing the risk of battery combustion. Wide voltage range for wider operation. Low toxicity, more environmentally friendly. Potential as a “green” solvent in future energy systems.

Composite Nanofiber Membrane has the following main characteristics and performance

1. Wettability: 

It has high wettability for both carbonate and ionic liquid electrolytes, low contact angle and high electrolyte absorption.

2. Ionic conductivity: 

The separator has good ionic conductivity for various electrolytes, the ionic conductivity for ionic liquid electrolyte is 0.29 mS cm-1 at room temperature.

3. Thermal stability:

The composite diaphragm is thermally stable and has excellent cyclability at 80°C, which is suitable for high-temperature operation of batteries.

Originallink: 10.1016/J.MTPHYS.2023.101256