Tunneling Interpenetrative Lithium Ion Conduction Channels in Polymer-in-Ceramic Composite Solid Electrolytes

Abstract

Polymer-in-ceramic composite solid electrolytes (PIC–CSEs) provide important advantages over individual organic or inorganic solid electrolytes. In conventional PIC–CSEs, the ion conduction pathway is primarily confined to the ceramics, while the faster routes associated with the ceramic–polymer interface remain blocked. This challenge is associated with two key factors: (i) the difficulty in establishing extensive and uninterrupted ceramic–polymer interfaces due to ceramic aggregation; (ii) the ceramic–polymer interfaces are unresponsive to conducting ions because of their inherent incompatibility. Here, we propose a strategy by introducing polymer-compatible ionic liquids (PCILs) to mediate between ceramics and the polymer matrix. This mediation involves the polar groups of PCILs interacting with Li⁺ ions on the ceramic surfaces as well as the interactions between the polar components of PCILs and the polymer chains. This strategy addresses the ceramic aggregation issue, resulting in uniform PIC–CSEs. Simultaneously, it activates the ceramic–polymer interfaces by establishing interpenetrating channels that promote the efficient transport of Li⁺ ions across the ceramic phase, the ceramic–polymer interfaces, and the intervening pathways. Consequently, the obtained PIC–CSEs exhibit high ionic conductivity, exceptional flexibility, and robust mechanical strength. A PIC–CSE comprising poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and 60 wt % PCIL-coated Li₃Zr₂Si₂PO₁₂ (LZSP) fillers showcasing an ionic conductivity of 0.83 mS cm^–1, a superior Li⁺ ion transference number of 0.81, and an elongation of ∼300% at 25 °C could be produced on meter-scale. Its lithium metal pouch cells show high energy densities of 424.9 Wh kg^–1 (excluding packing films) and puncture safety. This work paves the way for designing PIC–CSEs with commercial viability.