Dominica H. C. Wong

Nonflammable perfluoropolyether-based electrolytes for lithium batteries

Significance This research article describes a unique class of nonflammable electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries that are based on functionalized perfluoropolyethers (PFPEs). It demonstrates that PFPEs may be used as a major component in operating batteries. These electrolytes not only are completely nonflammable, but they also exhibit unprecedented high transference numbers and low electrochemical polarization, indicative of longer battery life. The results in this work may represent a significant step toward a lithium-ion battery with improved safety and pave the way for the development of new electrolytes that can address the persisting challenges of current battery technologies. The flammability of conventional alkyl carbonate electrolytes hinders the integration of large-scale lithium-ion batteries in transportation and grid storage applications. In this study, we have prepared a unique nonflammable electrolyte composed of low molecular weight perfluoropolyethers and bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt. These electrolytes exhibit thermal stability beyond 200 °C and a remarkably high transference number of at least 0.91 (more than double that of conventional electrolytes). Li/LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cells made with this electrolyte show good performance in galvanostatic cycling, confirming their potential as rechargeable lithium batteries with enhanced safety and longevity.

Future of the Particle Replication in Nonwetting Templates (PRINT) Technology

Particle replication in nonwetting templates (PRINT) is a continuous, roll-to-roll, high-resolution molding technology which allows the design and synthesis of precisely defined micro- and nanoparticles. This technology adapts the lithographic techniques from the microelectronics industry and marries these with the roll-to-roll processes from the photographic film industry to enable researchers to have unprecedented control over particle size, shape, chemical composition, cargo, modulus, and surface properties. In addition, PRINT is a GMP-compliant (GMP=good manufacturing practice) platform amenable for particle fabrication on a large scale. Herein, we describe some of our most recent work involving the PRINT technology for application in the biomedical and material sciences.

Compliant glass–polymer hybrid single ion-conducting electrolytes for lithium batteries

Significance This study describes hybrid single ion-conducting electrolytes based on inorganic sulfide glasses and perfluoropolyether polymers for lithium batteries. Herein, it is shown that hybrid electrolytes provide a compelling alternative to the traditional glass, ceramic, or polymer battery electrolytes. These electrolytes present high transference numbers, unprecedented ionic conductivities at room temperature, and excellent electrochemical stability, and they limit the dissolution of lithium polysulfides. The results in this work represent a significant step toward addressing the challenges of enabling the next generation cathodes, such as lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide and sulfur. Despite high ionic conductivities, current inorganic solid electrolytes cannot be used in lithium batteries because of a lack of compliance and adhesion to active particles in battery electrodes as they are discharged and charged. We have successfully developed a compliant, nonflammable, hybrid single ion-conducting electrolyte comprising inorganic sulfide glass particles covalently bonded to a perfluoropolyether polymer. The hybrid with 23 wt% perfluoropolyether exhibits low shear modulus relative to neat glass electrolytes, ionic conductivity of 10−4 S/cm at room temperature, a cation transference number close to unity, and an electrochemical stability window up to 5 V relative to Li+/Li. X-ray absorption spectroscopy indicates that the hybrid electrolyte limits lithium polysulfide dissolution and is, thus, ideally suited for Li-S cells. Our work opens a previously unidentified route for developing compliant solid electrolytes that will address the challenges of lithium batteries.