Eco-friendly xonotlite nanowires/wood pulp fibers ceramic hybrid separators through a simple papermaking process for lithium ion battery

Abstract

In this study, we successfully fabricate lithium-ion battery hybrid separator of Xonotlite Nanowires/Wood Pulp Fibers through a simple papermaking process, which has not only strong heat resistance properties, but also outstanding electrochemical performance. To be specific, it doesn't show any signs of shrinkage at 600 oC and it can quickly suppress combustion even in the center of flame, which greatly improves the safety of lithium-ion battery at high temperature compared to commercial separator. In addition, it is worth mentioning that the battery still maintains 91% of initial capacity after 100 cycles of charge-discharge tests at static current of 0.2C. Meanwhile, the study finds that the half-cell with the separator exhibits excellent reversibility at different charge-discharge currents, so the cell has better cycling performance and C-rate performance than commercial battery. Last but not least, the separator does not use any contaminating solvent in the preparation process, the raw materials are easy to obtain and the cost is relatively low as well. Therefore, it can be expected to be a candidate for a high-performance separator for a lithium ion battery.