NEXT-GENERATION SOLID-STATE LITHIUM BATTERIES ENABLED BY ULTRA-FAST ION TRANSPORT IN HYBRID CERAMIC–POLYMER ELECTROLYTES

Abstract

The design of the next generation solid-state lithium batteries is highly reliant on the electrolytes that integrate high ionic conductivity, mechanical stability, and electrochemical safety. Polymer electrolytes (PEO): These are highly flexible polymer electrolytes with outstanding flexibility and interfaces between electrodes but have low ionic conductivity at room temperature because of their semi-crystalline structure. To bypass this shortcoming, this paper examines a hybrid electrolyte that is ceramic-polymer which is a mix of PEO matrix and garnet-type Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (LLZO) ceramic fillers. Generally, the system of the incorporation of LLZO notably modifies the crystallinity of the PEO and forms continuous lithium-ion-conducting routes, improving the lithium-ion transport. Structural, thermal, and electrochemical studies ensure effective polymer-ceramic interactions, lowered crystallinity, increased thermal stability, and expanded electrochemical stability. The hybrid electrolyte has a much higher ionic conductivity and less activation energy than pure PEO, and its behavior is that of a thermally activated ultra-fast ion transport. These findings provide the opportunity to discuss the synergistic nature of LLZO fillers to overcome the inherent drawbacks of polymer electrolytes and emphasize the opportunities of PEO-LLZO hybrid systems as promising solid electrolytes to high-performance and safe solid-state lithium batteries.