High-performance ceramic-polymer separators for lithium batteries

Abstract

An EB-PVD technique was used to fabricate ceramic/polymer/ceramic (LAGP/PE/LAGP) hybrid separator for rechargeable LIBs and Li batteries. The application of a ceramic electrolyte (LAGP) layer on traditional PE separator soaked in 1-M LiAsF6 liquid electrolyte combined the best attributes of traditional PE separator and solid inorganic electrolytes. The synergistic behavior of hybrid separator resulted in a high mechanical stability/flexibility, increased liquid uptake, high ion conduction, reduced cell voltage polarization, no lithium dendrite formation, and increased usable lithium content as compared to the state-of-the-art PE separator used in LIBs. The functional separator can be used to prolong life cycle and power capability of present LIBs. Thickness and density optimization of LAGP or similar electrolytes on polymer or other battery separators and their use in full Li battery (LIB, Li—S, Li—O2, Li-Ph, flow battery) cells are expected to further improve performance.

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