Issue 6, 2020

Bifunctional polymer-of-intrinsic-microporosity membrane for flexible Li/Na–H2O2 batteries with hybrid electrolytes

Abstract

Polymeric membranes with high ionic conductivity and solvent molecule blocking capability are attracting considerable attention as separators for new-generation batteries adopting hybrid electrolytes. The performances of the membranes are closely dependent on their microstructures and functional groups. Here, we report the design and fabrication of a carboxyl-functionalized polymer-of-intrinsic-microporosity (PIM) membrane, which has optimal surface properties and microporous channels (∼0.8 nm) to permit cation (Li+ or Na+) transportation, while preventing solvent molecule penetration. Using a droplet-templating strategy, we create large pores on both surfaces of the PIM-membrane to improve its interfacial contact with electrolytes. The obtained membrane integrates good mechanical strength with high thermal and electrochemical stability, demonstrating a great potential for battery applications as a flexible separator. When intercalated with Li+, the membrane (PIM-1-COOLi) exhibits a remarkable Li+ conductivity in both aqueous (6.5 × 10−3 S cm−1) and organic (7.3 × 10−4 S cm−1) solutions, as well as a good solvent permeation resistance (19 μmol cm−2 min−1 at 10 Pa for H2O). Taking these advantages of the PIM-membrane, we are able to fabricate challenging batteries with hybrid electrolytes, such as Li–H2O2 and Na–H2O2 batteries (Li/Na anode with organic electrolyte and H2O2 cathode with aqueous electrolyte), into a flexible laminated form. The as-fabricated battery shows an excellent discharge performance, comparable to a model battery constructed with the commercial ceramic Li super-ionic conductor, but is more tolerant to mechanical treatment and harsh environment. Our study demonstrates that PIM represents a promising platform for developing flexible secondary batteries with hybrid electrolytes, which are particularly desirable for wearable and portable electronic devices.

Graphical abstract: Bifunctional polymer-of-intrinsic-microporosity membrane for flexible Li/Na–H2O2 batteries with hybrid electrolytes

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
03 Dec 2019
Accepted
23 Jan 2020
First published
29 Jan 2020
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020,8, 3491-3498

Bifunctional polymer-of-intrinsic-microporosity membrane for flexible Li/Na–H2O2 batteries with hybrid electrolytes

Y. Zhao, X. Ma, P. Li, Y. Lv, J. Huang, H. Zhang, Y. Shen, Q. Deng, X. Liu, Y. Ding and Y. Han, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2020, 8, 3491 DOI: 10.1039/C9TA13210D

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