A high-performance gel polymer electrolyte based on poly(vinylidene fluoride)/thermoplastic polyurethane/poly(propylene carbonate) for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Abstract Fibrous membranes of composites of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) are prepared with different concentrations by electrospinning method. The physical properties of the films are characterized, such as morphology, porosity, thermal stability and mechanical properties. After electrospun films with different concentrations are activated to gel polymer electrolyte (GPE), we test their electrochemical properties. The morphology and the thermal stability of the PVDF/TPU/PPC nanofibers (NFs) with a concentration of 12% are the best. It shows the high tensile strength of 9.9 MPa and the maximum elongation of 110.8%. The ionic conductivity of its corresponding GPE is as high as \(5.32\,\hbox {mS cm}^{-1}\), and the electrochemical stability window is up to 5.4 V at room temperature. In addition, it shows a high initial charge capacity of \(165.8\,\hbox {mAh g}^{-1}\) and a high initial discharge capacity of \(165.1\,\hbox { mAh g}^{-1}\). The excellent properties make the PVDF/TPU/PPC based GPE (12%) more suitable for lithium-ion batteries.Graphical abstract Gel polymer electrolytes were prepared by electrospinning technology and applied to lithium-ion batteries. A series of characterizations were carried out to determine the system of the best comprehensive performances.