This work concerns the study of electrospun scaffolds
as separators
for aprotic lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) composed of the amorphous
poly-d,l-lactide (PDLLA), in solution concentrations
of 8, 10, and 12 wt % and in different ratios with cellulose nanocrystals
(CNCs). PDLLA has been studied for the first time as a separator,
taking into account its amorphous character that could facilitate
electrolyte incorporation into the polymer matrix and influence ionic
conductivity, together with CNCs, for reducing the hydrophobicity
of the scaffolds. The embedding of the nanocrystals in the scaffolds
was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis and attenuated total reflectance
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The polymer combination influenced
the nanofibrous morphology as evaluated by scanning electron microscopy
and modulated the electrochemical behavior of the membranes that was
investigated through linear sweep voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry,
and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests. Among the studied
categories, the P12 series displayed a nonhomogeneous electrolyte
resistance and electrochemical stability, differently from P10, whose
results suggested their application in LIBs with standard formulation,
as confirmed by a preliminary performance test of the P10N6 formulation
in a full Li-ion cell configuration.