A Review on Inorganic Nanoparticles Modified Composite Membranes for Lithium-Ion Batteries: Recent Progress and Prospects

Abstract

Separators with high porosity, mechanical robustness, high ion conductivity, thin structure, excellent thermal stability, high electrolyte uptake and high retention capacity is today’s burning research topic. These characteristics are not easily achieved by using single polymer separators. Inorganic nanoparticle use is one of the efforts to achieve these attributes and it has taken its place in recent research. The inorganic nanoparticles not only improve the physical characteristics of the separator but also keep it from dendrite problems, which enhance its shelf life. In this article, use of inorganic particles for lithium-ion battery membrane modification is discussed in detail and composite membranes with three main types including inorganic particle-coated composite membranes, inorganic particle-filled composite membranes and inorganic particle-filled non-woven mates are described. The possible advantages of inorganic particles application on membrane morphology, different techniques and modification methods for improving particle performance in the composite membrane, future prospects and better applications of ceramic nanoparticles and improvements in these composite membranes are also highlighted. In short, the contents of this review provide a fruitful source for further study and the development of new lithium-ion battery membranes with improved mechanical stability, chemical inertness and better electrochemical properties.

Polymers in Lithium‐Ion and Lithium Metal Batteries

“…These inorganic particles also have a high melting point and excellent mechanical strength, which provide separators with better thermal stability and mechanical strength. [ 258,259 ] The most common inorganic particles used for coating polymer separators are Si dioxide (SiO 2 ), [ 260 ] aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) [ 261,262 ] and titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ). [ 263 ] However, the coating by inorganic particles increases the thickness and weight of the separator, which leads to higher cell resistance and lower energy density.…”

Recent progress on biomass‐derived ecomaterials toward advanced rechargeable lithium batteries

“…However, instable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) as well as the resultant Li dendrite growth seriously cause safety concerns, once Li metal is implemented as an anode in a battery . In the view of being able to manipulate the mechanical properties by macromolecular chains as well as regulate Li ion flux and distribution by lithiophilic functional groups, biomass materials (eg, cellulose, starch, protein, lignin, chitin, polysaccharide) have been integrated into artificial SEI protective films for restraining Li plating and stripping to suppress the dendrite propagation . Recently, a natural agarose biopolymer film (AG) was reported as an enabling SEI protective layer.…”

“…74 In the view of being able to manipulate the mechanical properties by macromolecular chains as well as regulate Li ion flux and distribution by lithiophilic functional groups, biomass materials (eg, cellulose, starch, protein, lignin, chitin, polysaccharide) have been integrated into artificial SEI protective films for restraining Li plating and stripping to suppress the dendrite propagation. [75][76][77][78][79] Recently, a natural agarose biopolymer film (AG) was reported as an enabling SEI protective layer. The assembled Li-Cu half cell with AG protective layer displayed higher Coulombic efficiency of 98% even after 100 cycles, much better than that with bare Cu foils (< 40% after 50 cycles), indicative of the excellent structure stability of bio-based AG films against Li metal anode.…”

Cellulose acetate‐based separators prepared by a reversible acetylation process for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries

“…Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are an important energy storage technology due to their energy efficiency, high power density, and environmental friendliness 1 . In the LIB system, separators play a vital role for they can provide physical separation between the electrodes to prevent short circuits and store enough electrolyte to allow lithium ions to pass through 2,3 . Although the separator is not an active component inside the battery, it directly affects the final cost, cycle life, electrochemical performance, and safety 4 .…”