Green power solutions: Advancements in eco‐friendly cellulose‐derived composite battery separators—Material properties and processing techniques

• Published in: SPE polymers 2024-10, Vol.5 (4), p.536-556
• Main Authors: Paliwal, Rajeev, Kumar, Maneesh, Bhatt, Hardik B., Vaya, Dipti, Prasad, Gayatri, Surolia, Praveen K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: battery separators; biodegradability; cellulose‐derived composites; glycosidic linkage; hydrophilicity
• ISSN: 2690-3857; 2690-3857
• DOI: 10.1002/pls2.10147

Batteries play a crucial role in our daily lives, with separators being a key component influencing their functionality. The separators based on petrochemical for example polythene and polypropylene have been long favored for their chemical and thermal stability, their drawbacks in terms of sustainability, eco‐efficiency, and associated environmental risks are undeniable. In pursuit of sustainable development, there is a growing demand for biopolymer composite separators that offer a compelling combination of low cost, high mechanical and thermal stability, biodegradability, and renewability. Among these alternatives, cellulose‐derived separators have garnered significant attention from the scientific community. This review delivers a brief overview of cellulose's chemical structure, their types, delving into the intricate interplay of various electrodes and electrolytic solutions. The focus is then directed towards exploring diverse preparatory methods for cellulose‐derived separators, along with highlighting the promising factors associated with their adoption. Special attention is given to cellulose composite separators and the challenges they present. Highlights Cellulose‐based composite separators in LIB/SIB batteries are discussed. Preparatory methods for eco‐friendly cellulose‐derived composite battery separators. Prominent affecting factors of separator performance have been elaborated. Special attention to the challenges cellulose composite separators present. This review provides an insight on the preparation techniques of cellulose‐based separators, their ion exchange properties and diverse factors influencing the preparation process, paving the way for the creation of high‐quality separators that contribute to the optimal performance of LIBs.