Novel “Rubber” electrolyte will be applied to long-lasting, safer future EV batteries

Abstract

Solid-state lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have become a potential component, as they provide a considerable safety upgrade by eliminating flammable organic solvents. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are also a promising candidate, owing to their non-toxicity, low-manufacturing cost, and comparatively soft nature that allows the development of a seamless interface with the electrodes. Polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS) controls the connectivity of phase-separated structures and domain size, enabling the co-continuous nanostructures’ formation. Researchers of a study published in Nature envisioned that outstanding mechanical and ionic properties could be realized, provided ionic conducting materials form a 3D interconnected phase inside a mechanically strong elastomer matrix via PIPS.