Electrospinning Device for Nanofibers| An Elastomeric Electrolyte Based on Lithium-lon-SelectiveTransmembrane Transport for Solid-State Lithium-SulfurBatteries

Challenge: Solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries (SSLSBs) are ideal candidates for next-generation batteries due to their high specific energy, safety, and low cost. However, current solid electrolytes cannot meet the mechanical and electrochemical requirements for practical SSLSB applications.

Approach: Professor Gengchao Wang and Researcher Wenqiang Wang from East China University of Science and Technology proposed a strategy for constructing fibrous network elastic solid electrolytes (FESE) based on electrospinning-induced phase separation. The FESE features a structure where an elastomer layer with Li+-selective permeability encapsulates fibrous plastic crystal electrolytes (PCE).

Innovation 1: This structure originates from electrospray-driven phase separation and fibrillation of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) stabilized emulsion, followed by in-situ polymerization of methoxy polyethylene glycol within the battery for void filling.

Innovation 2: The prepared FESE electrolyte exhibits high room-temperature ionic conductivity (1.11 mS cm⁻¹) and Li+ transference number (0.77) due to interconnected ion transport channels, Li+ selectivity, and conformal interfaces.

Innovation 3: The assembled SSLSB demonstrates high initial discharge capacity (1188 mAh g-1), excellent rate capability (356 mAh g-1 at 4C), and outstanding cycling performance (71.2% capacity retention after 800 cycles).

https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202507331