Li-O2 batteries represent a promising rechargeable battery candidate to answer the energy challenges our world is facing, thanks to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, the poor cycling stability of the Li-O2 system and, overall, important safety issues due to the formation of Li dendrites, combined with the use of organic liquid electrolytes and O2 cross-over, inhibit their practical applications. As a solution to these various issues, we propose a composite gel polymer electrolyte consisting of a highly cross-linked polymer matrix, containing a dextrin-based nanosponge and activated with a liquid electrolyte. The polymer matrix, easily obtained by thermally activated one pot free radical polymerization in bulk, allows to limit dendrite nucleation and growth thanks to its cross-linked structure. At the same time, the nanosponge limits the O2 cross-over and avoids the formation of crystalline domains in the polymer matrix, which, combined with the liquid electrolyte, allows a good ionic conductivity at room temperature. Such a composite gel polymer electrolyte, tested in a cell containing Li metal as anode and a simple commercial gas diffusion layer, without any catalyst, as cathode demonstrates a full capacity of 5.05 mAh cm−2 as well as improved reversibility upon cycling, compared to a cell containing liquid electrolyte.

Nanosponge-Based Composite Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Safer Li-O2 Batteries

Caldera, Fabrizio;
2021-01-01

Abstract

Li-O2 batteries represent a promising rechargeable battery candidate to answer the energy challenges our world is facing, thanks to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, the poor cycling stability of the Li-O2 system and, overall, important safety issues due to the formation of Li dendrites, combined with the use of organic liquid electrolytes and O2 cross-over, inhibit their practical applications. As a solution to these various issues, we propose a composite gel polymer electrolyte consisting of a highly cross-linked polymer matrix, containing a dextrin-based nanosponge and activated with a liquid electrolyte. The polymer matrix, easily obtained by thermally activated one pot free radical polymerization in bulk, allows to limit dendrite nucleation and growth thanks to its cross-linked structure. At the same time, the nanosponge limits the O2 cross-over and avoids the formation of crystalline domains in the polymer matrix, which, combined with the liquid electrolyte, allows a good ionic conductivity at room temperature. Such a composite gel polymer electrolyte, tested in a cell containing Li metal as anode and a simple commercial gas diffusion layer, without any catalyst, as cathode demonstrates a full capacity of 5.05 mAh cm−2 as well as improved reversibility upon cycling, compared to a cell containing liquid electrolyte.
2021
Inglese
Esperti anonimi
13
10
1625
1638
14
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/13/10/1625/htm
Li-O2 cell, composite gel polymer electrolyte, nanosponge, O2 cross-over
no
1 – prodotto con file in versione Open Access (allegherò il file al passo 6 - Carica)
262
9
Amici, Julia; Torchio, Claudia; Versaci, Daniele; Dessantis, Davide; Marchisio, Andrea; Caldera, Fabrizio; Bella, Federico; Francia, Carlotta; Bodoard...espandi
info:eu-repo/semantics/article
open
03-CONTRIBUTO IN RIVISTA::03A-Articolo su Rivista
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
polymers-13-01625-v2 (1).pdf

Accesso aperto

Descrizione: Articolo principale
Tipo di file: PDF EDITORIALE
Dimensione 3.88 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
3.88 MB Adobe PDF Visualizza/Apri

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1807164
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 16
  • Scopus 80
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 76
social impact