In situ ceramic fillers of electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane/poly(vinylidene fluoride) based gel polymer electrolytes for Li-ion batteries

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2011-11, Vol.196 (22), p.9751-9756
• Main Authors: Wu, Na, Cao, Qi, Wang, Xianyou, Li, Sheng, Li, Xiaoyun, Deng, Huayang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Ceramics; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Electrolytes; Electrospinning; Exact sciences and technology; Fillers; Fluorides; Gel polymer electrolyte; In situ ceramic fillers; Poly(vinylidene fluoride); Polyurethane resins; Thermoplastic polyurethane; Thermoplastic resins; Titanium dioxide
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2011.07.079

► We prepare gel polymer electrolytes with in situ reaction using electrospinning technology. ► The electrochemical properties of GPEs are significantly improved. ► Our study provides very helpful information to solve the safety problem of lithium ion battery. ► The TPU/PVdF gel polymer electrolyte with in situ TiO 2 prepared by us is very suitable for a wide range of applications in polymer lithium ion batteries. Gel polymer electrolyte films based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVdF) with and without in situ ceramic fillers (SiO 2 and TiO 2) are prepared by electrospinning 9 wt% polymer solution at room temperature. The electrospun TPU–PVdF blending membrane with 3% in situ TiO 2 shows a highest ionic conductivity of 4.8 × 10 −3 S cm −1 with electrochemical stability up to 5.4 V versus Li +/Li at room temperature and has a high tensile strength (8.7 ± 0.3 MPa) and % elongation at break (110.3 ± 0.2). With the superior electrochemical and mechanical performance, it is very suitable for application in polymer lithium ion batteries.