Modern life style depends on energy storage systems in which the role of Li-ion batteries (LiBs) is peerless. However, state-of-the-art LiBs are approaching the verge of possible technological imagination in energy density. Some researchers argue that next-gen secondary batteries should switch to heavier elements. Indeed, when it comes to energy storage systems for electricity grid, electric transportation or other non-portable applications, Na-ion (NiB) and Lithium Sulphur (Li-S) batteries can be an intelligent choice. These devices are still at an early stage of advancement and research must necessarily focus on the development of novel types of materials: safe polymer electrolytes, high-energy electrodes and novel production processes thereof. Here, an overview is provided on both solid/quasi-solid polymer electrolytes and nanostructured electrodes specifically conceived for NiB and Li-S secondary cells. Polymer electrolytes are based on polyethylene oxide (PEO), methacrylates and/or their mixtures; eventually, pyranose ring based natural additives and/or low volatile plasticizers are added along with supporting sodium salts to improve specifically defined characteristics. Both standard casting and smart free radical polymerization techniques are explored, thus producing multiphase electrode-electrolyte composites. In this process, an appropriate liquid reactive mixture comprising monomers, salts and eventually additives, which constitutes the polymer electrolyte precursor, is in-situ polymerised to form, in a single step, a self-standing electrode intimately connected to the ion conducting electrolyte membrane, with an efficient interpenetration of the two surfaces. Lab-scale Na-ion and Li-S polymer cells are assembled with different nanostructured electrode materials (e.g., LiFePO4, TiO2 nanotubes, sulphur–activated carbon) and tested for their long-term cycling ability and rate capability, demonstrating that safe, durable and high energy density post-lithium devices operating at ambient temperatures can be a reality in the near future.

Innovative and functional electrode/electrolyte materials for green and safe post-lithium batteries / Colo', Francesca; Bella, Federico; Nair, JIJEESH RAVI; Destro, Matteo; Fiorilli, SONIA LUCIA; Meligrana, Giuseppina; Gerbaldi, Claudio. - STAMPA. - (2017), pp. 489-489. (Intervento presentato al convegno 21st International Conference of Solid State Ionics (SSI-21) tenutosi a Padua (Italy) nel June 18-23 2017).

Innovative and functional electrode/electrolyte materials for green and safe post-lithium batteries

COLO', FRANCESCA;BELLA, FEDERICO;NAIR, JIJEESH RAVI;DESTRO, MATTEO;FIORILLI, SONIA LUCIA;MELIGRANA, Giuseppina;GERBALDI, CLAUDIO
2017

Abstract

Modern life style depends on energy storage systems in which the role of Li-ion batteries (LiBs) is peerless. However, state-of-the-art LiBs are approaching the verge of possible technological imagination in energy density. Some researchers argue that next-gen secondary batteries should switch to heavier elements. Indeed, when it comes to energy storage systems for electricity grid, electric transportation or other non-portable applications, Na-ion (NiB) and Lithium Sulphur (Li-S) batteries can be an intelligent choice. These devices are still at an early stage of advancement and research must necessarily focus on the development of novel types of materials: safe polymer electrolytes, high-energy electrodes and novel production processes thereof. Here, an overview is provided on both solid/quasi-solid polymer electrolytes and nanostructured electrodes specifically conceived for NiB and Li-S secondary cells. Polymer electrolytes are based on polyethylene oxide (PEO), methacrylates and/or their mixtures; eventually, pyranose ring based natural additives and/or low volatile plasticizers are added along with supporting sodium salts to improve specifically defined characteristics. Both standard casting and smart free radical polymerization techniques are explored, thus producing multiphase electrode-electrolyte composites. In this process, an appropriate liquid reactive mixture comprising monomers, salts and eventually additives, which constitutes the polymer electrolyte precursor, is in-situ polymerised to form, in a single step, a self-standing electrode intimately connected to the ion conducting electrolyte membrane, with an efficient interpenetration of the two surfaces. Lab-scale Na-ion and Li-S polymer cells are assembled with different nanostructured electrode materials (e.g., LiFePO4, TiO2 nanotubes, sulphur–activated carbon) and tested for their long-term cycling ability and rate capability, demonstrating that safe, durable and high energy density post-lithium devices operating at ambient temperatures can be a reality in the near future.
2017
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.
Pubblicazioni consigliate

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11583/2677845
 Attenzione

Attenzione! I dati visualizzati non sono stati sottoposti a validazione da parte dell'ateneo