Fabrication of PVA/SiO2 (Nanofiber) Membranes Prepared Using Electrospinning Method for Lithium Battery Separator

Abstract

Separators play an important role in ensuring the safety of Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIB). This study uses PVA and SiO2 as membrane separators with the aim of increasing membrane porosity, absorption of liquid electrolyte, ionic conductivity and reducing interface resistance, then using the electrospinning method with variations in the composition of PVA/SiO2 (0.5%), PVA/SiO2(1%), PVA/SiO2(1.5%) and PVA/SiO2(2%). The FTIR analysis results contained-OH groups in the PVA material, while bond formation between PVA-SiO2 was indicated by the presence of Si-O-C peaks. The analysis results of the SEM showed that the mean nanofiber diameters for the PVA and PVA-SiO2 membranes (1%, 2%) were 259±18 nm, 227±16 nm, and 200±11 nm. The results of the calculation of porosity and electrolyte absorption: the higher the SiO2 concentration, the higher the porosity and electrolyte absorption value on the membrane. Therefore, the results of the membrane wettability analysis contain PVA and PVA-SiO2 to almost 0° electrolyte. We can say that the membrane is hydrophilic. Electrical Conductivity and Impedance (EIS) are interconnected, and according to theory, the higher the SiO2 concentration, the higher the electrical conductivity value and the lower the interfacial resistance. Based on the above criteria, this material can be classified as a good separator material for Li-ion batteries.