A 3 µm-Ultrathin Hybrid Electrolyte Membrane with Integrative Architecture for All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries

Abstract

Ultrathin all-solid-state electrolytes with an excellent Li⁺ transport behavior are highly desirable for developing high-energy-density solid-state lithium metal batteries. However, how to balance the electrochemical performance and their mechanical properties remains a huge challenge. Herein, an ultrathin solid electrolyte membrane with a thickness of only 3 µm and a weight of 11.7 g m⁻² is well constructed by integrating individual functionalized organic with inorganic modules. Impressively, the optimized hybrid electrolyte membrane shows a set of merits including a high room-temperature ionic conductivity of 1.77 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹, large Li⁺ transference number of 0.65, and strong mechanical strength (strength of 29 MPa, elongation of 95%), as well as negligible thermal shrink at 180 °C. The analysis results reveal that the lithium sulfonate-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles in the membrane play a crucial role in the selective transport of Li⁺ through anion trapping and cation exchange. The pouch full cell is further assembled with a high-voltage NCM cathode and thin lithium anode, which exhibits excellent long-term cycling stability, outstanding rate performance at room temperature, and high safety against abused conditions. The current work provides an innovative strategy for achieving lithium metal batteries with ultrathin all-solid-state electrolytes.