Core–Shell Hybrid Nanowires with Protein Enabling Fast Ion Conduction for High‐Performance Composite Polymer Electrolytes

Abstract

Incorporating nanofillers is one of the promising approaches for simultaneously boosting the ionic conductivity and mechanical properties of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). However, effectively creating faster ion‐conduction pathways via nanofillers still remains a big challenge. Herein, core–shell protein–ceramic nanowires for more efficiently building fast ion‐conduction networks in SPEs are reported. The core–shell protein–ceramic nanowires are fabricated via in situ growth of protein coating on the electrospun TiO2 nanowires in a subtly controlled protein‐denaturation process. It is demonstrated that the core–shell protein@TiO2 nanowires effectively facilitate ion‐conduction. As a result, the ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, electrochemical stability, and even Li+ transference number of the SPEs with core–shell protein@TiO2 nanowires are significantly enhanced. The contributions from the 1D morphology of the protein@TiO2 nanowires, and more importantly, the favorable protein structure for further promoting ion‐conduction at the polymer–filler interfaces are analyzed. It is believed that the protein plays a pivotal role in dissociating lithium salts, which benefits from the strong interactions between protein and ions, making the protein serve as a unique “natural channel” for rapidly conducting Li+. This study initiates an effective method of promoting ionic conductivity and constructing faster ion‐conduction networks in SPEs via combining bio‐ and nanotechnology.

Let It Catch: A Short‐Branched Protein for Efficiently Capturing Polysulfides in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

“…The inconsistence between the ion‐transport resistance and air‐flow resistance of zein/CNF and PVP/CNF arises from the unique surface properties of zein. As zein possesses abundant functional groups, which may show unique interactions with ions thus helping the ion‐transport . The optimal porous structure and low ion‐transport resistance of gelatin/CNF interlayer will significantly benefit the battery performance especially the rate capability.…”

Recent Progress in Organic–Inorganic Composite Solid Electrolytes for All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries

“…reported unique core-shell protein@TiO 2 nanowires (NWs) towards high-performance composite polymer electrolytes with faster ion-conduction pathways. [46] It is demonstrated that composite electrolytes with these NWs effectively resulted in superiorp roperties, including faster ion conduction, stronger mechanical properties, better electrochemical stability,a nd even higher Li + transference number.I mportantly,m echanistic analysisindicates that the protein plays acrucial role in dissociating Li salts and conducting Li + ,w hich are beneficial for facilitating faster ion conduction at the interface of polymer-NWs because of strongi nteractions between the protein and ions (Figure 4).…”

“…In 1988, Skaarup et al first constructed am ixed-phase composite electrolyte consisting of PEO polymer matrix and ionconducting Li 3 N. [61] The room-temperature ionic conductivity is improved with an increase in Li 3 Na nd reaches am aximum value with small volumepercentages of polymer (5-10 %). Sub- [46] sequently,Z hang et al reported ac omposite electrolyte containing ion-conductive (LiAlTiP) x O y glass and PEO matrix. [62] The composite electrolyte shows an improved room-temperature conductivity of 1.7 10 À4 Scm À1 and Li transfer number of 0.39 with optimized composition.…”

“…Fu et al. reported unique core–shell protein@TiO 2 nanowires (NWs) towards high‐performance composite polymer electrolytes with faster ion‐conduction pathways . It is demonstrated that composite electrolytes with these NWs effectively resulted in superior properties, including faster ion conduction, stronger mechanical properties, better electrochemical stability, and even higher Li + transference number.…”

Protein‐Engineered Functional Materials for Bioelectronics

“…Core–shell hybrid nanowires (NWs) for polymer electrolyte (Reproduced with permission. [ 142 ] Copyright 2018, Wiley‐VCH): h) The advantages of protein@TiO 2 NWs over protein–TiO 2 NPs for building faster ion‐conduction pathways in SPEs.…”