Poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) separator for improving the heat resistance and power density of lithium-ion batteries

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2016-10, Vol.329, p.8-16
• Main Authors: Zhang, Hong, Zhang, Yin, Xu, Tiange, John, Angelin Ebanezar, Li, Yang, Li, Weishan, Zhu, Baoku
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electrochemical performances; High-heat resistance; Lithium-ion batteries; Nonsolvent introduced phase separation; Poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide)
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2016.08.036

A microporous poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) (PMIA) separator with high safety (high-heat resistance and self extinguishing), high porosity and excellent liquid electrolyte wettability was prepared by the traditional nonsolvent introduced phase separation process. Due to the high-heat resistance of PMIA material, the as-prepared separator exhibited a negligible thermal shrank ratio at 160 °C for 1 h. Meanwhile, benefiting from its high porosity and excellent wettability in liquid electrolyte, the liquid electrolyte uptake and the ionic conductivity of the separator were higher than that of the commercial PP-based separators. Furthermore, the cell assembled with this separator showed better cycling performance and superior rate capacity compared to those with PP-based separators. These results suggested that the PMIA separator is very attractive for high-heat resistance and high-power density lithium-ion batteries. •PMIA separators with a sponge-like structure are developed.•Excellent thermal stability and non-flammability contribute to higher safety.•Separators exhibit superior cell performances than commercial PP-based separators.