Integrated ionic gel electrolyte membranes (IGEMs) based on gel scaffolds and ionic liquids have attracted a lot of attention due to their broad processing compatibility, non-flammability, and good thermal and electrochemical properties. However, the lack of a functional bracket that can achieve both the high mechanical strength and the transportability of Li+ at the same time as the GEM limits the power and safety of the battery.
Hu Xianluo, Huazhong University of Science and Technologyet al. reported an IGEM with high Li+ conductivity and excellent thermal stability.
Fig.1 Comparison of the structure, composition and performance of IGEM
The designed IGEM consists of electrospun polymeric ionic liquid (PIL)-poly(diallylammonium)bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PDADMATFSI) nanofibers and cross-linked poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate) (PTFEMA). The synergistic effect of the semi-interpenetrating network of PDADMATFSI PIL nanofibers and cross-linked PTFEMA promotes the ideal transition of lithium ions from a carrier ion transport mode to a structured ion transport mode.
Detailed studies of the lithium-ion transport mechanism have shown that the positively charged PDADMA+ on the PIL backbone and the strongly electronegative CH2CF3 group on PTFEMA can be customized by modulating ion-ion and ion-dipole interactions while imparting a lithium-ion environment. As a result, the increase in lithium-ion mobility leads to the number of lithium-ion transfers (