A highly conductive quasi-solid-state electrolyte based on helical silica nanofibers for lithium batteries. Issue 54 (18th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hu, Jiemei; Wang, Haoran; Yang, Yonggang; Li, Yi; Wu, Qi-hui
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 11:Issue 54(2021)
• Page Start: 33858
• Page End: 33866
• Publication Date: 2021-10-18
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ra06803b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : A quasi-solid-state electrolyte of high-ionic conductivity is constructed from an inorganic matrix composed of helical silica nanofibers (HSNFs) derived from the self-assembly of chiral gelators. Abstract : The replacement of flammable liquid electrolytes by inorganic solid ones is considered the most effective approach to enhancing the safety of Li batteries. However, solid electrolytes usually suffer from low ionic conductivity and poor rate capability. Here we report a unique quasi-solid-state electrolyte based on an inorganic matrix composed of helical tubular silica nanofibers (HSNFs) derived from the self-assembly of chiral low-molecular-weight amphiphiles. The HSNFs/ionic liquid quasi-solid-state electrolyte has high thermal stability (up to ∼370 °C) and good ionic conductivity (∼3.0 mS cm −1 at room temperature). When tested as the electrolyte in a LiFePO4 /Li cell, excellent rate capability and good cycling stability are demonstrated, suggesting that it has potential be the electrolyte for a new generation of safer Li batteries.