A robust crosslinked polysiloxane-embedded nanofiber membrane for long-cycle lithium metal batteries

Towards ambient temperature operation of Li metal batteries using UV-Crosslinked single-ion electrospun electrolytes

In spite of the fact that lithium metal batteries (LMBs) facilitate the diversification of energy storage technologies, their electrochemical reversibility and stability have long been constrained by side reactions and lithium dendrite problems. While single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes (SICPEs) possess unique advantages of suppressing Li dendrite growth, they deal with difficulties in practical applications due to their slow ion transport in general application scenarios at ∼25 °C. In this study, we develop novel bifunctional lithium salts with negative sulfonylimide (-SO₂N(^-)SO₂-) anions mounted between two styrene reactive groups, which is capable of constructing 3D cross-linked networks with multiscale reticulated ion nanochannels, resulting in the uniform and rapid distribution of Li⁺ ions in the crosslinked electrolyte. To verify the feasibility of our strategy, we designed PVDF-HFP-based SICPEs and the obtained electrolyte exhibits high thermal stability, outstanding Li⁺ transference number (0.95), pleasing ionic conductivity (0.722 mS cm^-1), and broad chemical window (greater than5.85 V) at ambient temperature. As a result of the electrolyte structural merits, the Li||LFP cells displayed excellent cycling stability (96.4% reversible capacities after 300 cycles at 0.2C) without additional auxiliary heating. This ingenious strategy is expected to providing a new perspective for advanced performance and high safety LMBs.

Advances in Nanofibrous Materials for Stable Lithium-Metal Anodes

Lithium metal is regarded as the most potential anode material for improving the energy density of batteries due to its high specific capacity and low electrode potential. However, the practical application of lithium-metal anodes (LMAs) still faces severe challenges such as uncontrollable dendrites growth and large volume expansion. The development of functional nanomaterials has brought opportunities for the revival of LMAs. Among them, nanofibrous materials show great application potential for LMAs protection due to their distinct functional and structural features. Here, the latest research progress in nanofibrous materials for LMAs is systematically outlined. First, the problems existing in the practical application of LMAs are analyzed. Then, prospective strategies and recent research progress toward stable LMAs based on nanofibrous materials are summarized from the aspects of artificial protective layers, three-dimensional frameworks, separators, and solid-state electrolytes. Finally, the future development of nanofibrous materials for the protection of lithium-metal batteries is summarized and prospected. This review establishes a close connection between nanofibrous materials and LMA modification and provides insight for the development of high-safety lithium-metal batteries.