Nanocoating inside porous PE separator enables enhanced ionic transport of GPE and stable cycling of Li-metal anode

Abstract

In this paper, a simple and feasible method for preparing gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) with good ionic transport properties and mechanical stability is proposed. A ZrO2/KH570/PU/P123 layer was formed on the outer and inner pore surfaces of PE separator before in situ polymerization by a simple one-step dipping coating process. This coating layer changes the PE separator surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, and therefore facilitates the uniform spreading of the GPE precursor solution on the PE surface to enable the formation of highly uniform GPE. Moreover, it effectively compensates the negative effects of in situ gelatinization on the ionic transport behavior of the final PE-supported GPE. This GPE possesses excellent ion transport properties and mechanical stability, as well as improves the static and dynamic interfacial stability with lithium metal anode. When using metallic lithium and LiCoO2 to assemble cells, this PE-supported GPE affords improved C-rate capability, cycling performance and effective dendrite inhibition.