Background
Electrified transportation and renewable energy are both rapidly growing in recent years. These demands require high-performance electrical energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries which currently are widely used. However, lithium-ion batteries tend to have high costs, minimal material availability and low capacity. There is a strong interest in developing lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries for next-generation battery technology. Although, with advancements in Li-S batteries, there is a common issue of lithium polysulfide shuttling which raises safety concerns. There is a need for a functional ultrathin polymer base battery separator in diverse lithium batteries.
Invention Description
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a functional ultrathin polymer base battery separator for lithium-based batteries. This technology includes functional layers coated with Polydopamine (PDA) and/or zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF-8) that acts as a protective coating so that the ultrathin separator has enough mechanical strength to endure the battery cycling. With the separator thickness reduced from >20um to <10 um, the battery volumetric energy density increases. The primary function of this technology is to electronically isolate the active cathode and anode materials while allowing free transportation of Li+ ions which reduces the current lithium polysulfide (LiPS) shuttling issue significantly. This functional coating increases Li-ion conductivity and Li transference number meaning the battery can be charged and discharged faster with higher power in all Li-batteries.
Potential Applications:
- Electronic vehicle manufacturing
- Portable devices (e.g., cellphones, tablets, laptops)
- Renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, wind)
Benefits and Advantages:
- Increased volumetric energy density
- Amplifies battery power performance through Li-ion transportation booster
- Addresses polysulfide shuttling with a filter that allows Li-ion to pass through while blocking other species
Related Publication: Polydopamine-Functionalized Bacterial Cellulose As Biopolymer Separator for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries