Novel configuration of poly(vinylidenedifluoride)-based gel polymer electrolyte for application in lithium-ion batteries

摘要

Herein we propose a novel poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVdF)-based gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) for application in lithium-ion batteries, LIBs. The GPE is prepared under air as a dry, flexible film and directly gelled during LIB assembly with a conventional liquid organic electrolyte. The dry-gel here originally reported maintains its structural integrity due to the presence of crystallized EC-solvent within its matrix that avoids structural collapse, as demonstrated by TGA analysis. By avoiding the use of controlled atmosphere, the GPE is easy to handle and suitable for roll-to-roll scaling-up, i.e. characteristics missed by the common gel membranes. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) evidences a micrometric polymer network of the dry membrane precursor acting as the support matrix for the gelation. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements and galvanostatic tests suggest a good stability of the lithium electrode/gel electrolyte interface and a satisfactory lithium transference number. Cycling tests of gel-electrolyte-based lithium half-cells using lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4, LFP) and graphite (C), respectively, as counter electrodes, as well as of a full C/LFP lithium-ion battery confirm the suitability of the GPE developed in this work for application in stable, low cost and environmentally friendly energy storage systems. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.