Construction of ion-conductive dual-channels by P(EA-co-AALi)-based gel electrolytes for high-performance lithium metal batteries

As people possess more safety conscious, the issue of electrolytes is attracting concern. The gel polymer electrolyte offers high ionic conductivity, wettability, and good interfacial contact, effectively reducing electrolyte leakage and improving battery safety. This study presents a novel gel polymer electrolyte that has been investigated for its excellent physical and electrochemical properties. The electrospinning film possesses a thin and flat surface with a thickness of only 40 ± 5 μm and particle size of around 300–400 nm. This creates an ion-conductive dual-channels that optimize the migration of lithium ions and ensure good contact and interfacial stability. In addition, the electrochemical stability window ranges from 0 ~ 6.1 V (vs. Li+/Li), which can be applied to most high-voltage cathode materials on the market. The NCM811//Li cell constructed with gel polymer electrolyte exhibited a first discharge capacity of 202.9 mAh g−1 at 0.5C and still maintain a discharge capacity of 117.5 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles, as well as a capacity retention rate of 57.9%. This strategy provides a new idea for the next generation of high-performance lithium metal batteries.