PREPARATION OF HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE/POLYETHYLENE-ΒLOCK- POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL) COPOLYMER BLEND POROUS MEMBRANES VIA THERMALLY INDUCED PHASE SEPARATION PROCESS AND THEIR PROPERTIES

High density polyethylene (HDPE)/polyethylene-Wock-poly(ethylene glycol) (PE-b-PEG) blend porous membranes were prepared via thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process using diphenyl ether (DPE) as diluent. The phase diagrams of HDPE/PE-b-PEG/DPE systems were determined by optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). By varying the content of PE-b-PEG, the effects of PE-b-PEG copolymer on morphology and crystalline structure of membranes were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). The chemical compositions of whole membranes and surface layers were characterized by elementary analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Water contact angle, static protein adsorption and water flux experiments were used to evaluate the hydrophilicity, antifouling and water permeation properties of the membranes. It was found that the addition of PE-b-PEG increased the pore size of the obtained blend membranes. In the investigated range of PE-b-PEG content, the PEG blocks could not aggregate into obviously separated domains in membrane matrix. More importantly, PE-b-PEG could not only be retained stably in the membrane matrix during membrane formation, but also enrich at the membrane surface layer. Such stability and surface enrichment of PE-b-PEG endowed the blend membranes with improved hydrophilicity, protein absorption resistance and water permeation properties, which would be substantially beneficial to HDPE membranes for water treatment application.     

锂离子电池凝胶聚合物隔膜的研究进展

作为锂离子电池重要组分,隔膜由多孔聚烯烃高分子材料组成;电解质体系由有机碳酸酯和六氟磷酸锂混合组成,虽具有高离子电导率,但因液态碳酸酯的易燃特性给锂离子电池带来了安全隐患。利用能够将液态电解质体系凝胶化的聚合物制备得到的凝胶聚合物隔膜,结合了液态电解质体系高电导率和固态电解质高安全性的优点。凝胶聚合物隔膜的研究从简单微孔凝胶聚合物隔膜开始,经历了引入少量纳米无机颗粒的掺杂凝胶聚合物隔膜,到引入大量纳米颗粒的凝胶陶瓷隔膜的发展历程。本文详细介绍这三种类型凝胶聚合物隔膜的物理化学特性,最后展望凝胶聚合物隔膜的发展趋势。     

Preparation of high density polyethylene/polyethylene-block-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer blend porous membranes via thermally induced phase separation process and their properties

<正>High density polyethylene(HDPE)/polyethylene-block-poly(ethylene glycol)(PE-b-PEG) blend porous membranes were prepared via thermally induced phase separation(TIPS) process using diphenyl ether(DPE) as diluent.The phase diagrams of HDPE/PE-b-PEG/DPE systems were determined by optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC).By varying the content of PE-b-PEG,the effects of PE-b-PEG copolymer on morphology and crystalline structure of membranes were studied by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and wide angle X-ray diffraction(WAXD). The chemical compositions of whole membranes and surface layers were characterized by elementary analysis,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflection(FTIR-ATR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS).Water contact angle,static protein adsorption and water flux experiments were used to evaluate the hydrophilicity,antifouling and water permeation properties of the membranes.It was found that the addition of PE-b-PEG increased the pore size of the obtained blend membranes.In the investigated range of PE-b-PEG content,the PEG blocks could not aggregate into obviously separated domains in membrane matrix.More importantly,PE-b-PEG could not only be retained stably in the membrane matrix during membrane formation,but also enrich at the membrane surface layer.Such stability and surface enrichment of PE-b-PEG endowed the blend membranes with improved hydrophilicity,protein absorption resistance and water permeation properties,which would be substantially beneficial to HDPE membranes for water treatment application.     

Anion receptor-coated separator for lithium-ion polymer battery

Anion receptor-coated separators were prepared by coating poly(ethylene glycol) borate ester (PEGB) as an anion receptor and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) as a good adhesive material towards electrodes onto microporous polyethylene (PE) separators. Gel polymer electrolytes were fabricated by soaking them in an liquid electrolyte, 1 M LiPF₆ in EC/DEC/PC (30/65/5, wt.%). As the weight ratio of PEGB to PVAc in a coating layer increased, gel polymer electrolytes showed higher cationic conductivity and electrochemical stability. The cationic conductivity and electrochemical stability of the gel polymer electrolyte based on coated separator with PVAc/PEGB (2/5, weight ratio) could reach 2.8 × 10^–4 S cm^–1 and 4.8 V, respectively. Lithium-ion polymer cells (LiCoO₂/graphite) based on gel polymer electrolytes with and without PEGB were assembled, and their electrochemical performances were evaluated.     

隔膜对BMImBF_4离子液体电解液中镁沉积-溶出性能的影响

研究了实验扣式电池中Celgard2400,Celgard2500,ENTEK ET20-60,TEKLON UH2054以及一种玻璃纤维隔膜对含有0.5mol·L-1Mg(CF3SO3)2的BMImBF4离子液体电解液中镁的电化学沉积-溶出性能的影响.通过扫描电镜对五种隔膜的表面形貌进行了分析,吸液实验比较了不同隔膜对Mg(CF3SO3)2/BMImBF4离子液体电解液的吸液性能,交流阻抗技术测定了隔膜的电导率,恒电流充放电测试研究了扣式电池中镁的沉积-溶出性能.在这五种隔膜中,虽然玻璃纤维隔膜的机械强度较差,但该材料对Mg(CF3SO3)2/BMImBF4离子液体电解液有较好的吸液性和液体保持性,特别是具有高的离子电导率,有利于大电流下镁的沉积-溶出.     

纤维素微孔锂电隔膜的制备及性能研究

为了改善锂电隔膜的亲液性和耐高温性,以醋酸纤维素为成膜材料,利用相转化法制备了新型锂电隔膜,通过形貌和孔道结构表征、亲液性能和耐热性能测试对醋酸纤维素隔膜的基本性能进行研究,并将该隔膜装配成锂离子电池进行充放电性能测试. 结果表明,醋酸纤维素隔膜具有均匀的微孔结构,孔隙率达到65%,约为传统聚烯烃隔膜的1.5倍;纤维素材料的良好亲液性和高孔隙率结构改善了隔膜的吸液性能,其吸液率达到285%;该隔膜在150 ^oC、30 min的热处理条件下未发生明显的热收缩. 鉴于上述优点,相对于市售PE隔膜,醋酸纤维素隔膜所装配锂离子电池显示出更优的循环性能和倍率性能.     

锂电隔膜研究及产业技术进展

隔膜是锂离子电池的关键材料,在极片间起绝缘和提供离子通道的作用.本文以如何构建耐高温的隔膜、如何提高隔膜的离子电导率为重点,介绍了锂电隔膜研究及产业化技术进展,内容主要包括隔膜性能的影响因素、凝胶聚合物电解质膜、拉伸法制备隔膜及其改性、隔膜制造的新方法和新材料.最后展望了隔膜的发展前景.     

Construction of Safety and Non-flammable Polyimide Separator Containing Carboxyl Groups for Advanced Fast Charing Lithium-ion Batteries

With the wide applications of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in electronic devices and electric vehicles, it is of great importance to improve their safety and electrochemical performance. Herein, soluble polyimides (PI) containing carboxyl groups (?COOH) were synthesized by a simple one-step method and PI separators with sponge-like, interpenetrating porous structures were prepared via non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS). The obtained PI separators exhibited excellent thermal stability and fire-resistance properties, with the electrolyte uptake of 344% and good dimensional integrity in air at 200 °C. The results showed that the lithium-ion transference number of the obtained PI separator could reach 0.48, which was much higher than that of the Celgard-2400 separator (0.38). The Li/LiFePO₄ half-cell with the PI separator showed excellent cycle capability and high-rate performance with a high capacity of 121.80 mA·h·g^?1 at 5 C, which was better than that of the cell with the Celgard-2400 separator (54.3 mA·h·g^?1), demonstrating the promising applications of this PI separators in LIBs.

     

Optimization of the two-phase separation process in flow-injection analysis with an electron-capture detection system

A liquid-gas-phase tubing separator was designed and its operation studied in comparison with a PTFE tape-based separator. The relative efficiencies of the two separators were compared after injection into the carrier solution of a sample containing free chlorine using a chromatographic electron-capture detector for detection in the gaseous phase. The membrane separator contained porous PTFE tape whereas the tubular separator consisted of microporous PTFE membrane tubing. The two separators were compared with respect to sensitivity and reproducibility, simplicity of design and liability to interferences. Linear ranges and free chlorine detection limits were established for each of the two separators, that of the PTFE tape-based separator being 100 μg 1^?1 and that of the tubing device 50 μg 1^?1.     

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) separators with dual-asymmetric structure for high-performance lithium ion batteries

Dual-asymmetric poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF) separators have been fabricated by thermally induced phase separation with dimethyl sulfone(DMSO2) and glycerol as mixed diluents. The separators have a porous bulk with large interconnected pores(~1.0 μm) and two surfaces with small pores(~30 nm). This dual-asymmetric porous structure endows the separators with higher electrolyte uptake amount and rapider uptake rate, as well as better electrolyte retention ability than the commercialized Celgard 2400. The separators even maintain their dimensional stability up to 160 °C, at which temperature the surface pores close up, leading to a dramatic decrease of air permeability. The electrolyte filled separators also show high ion conductivity(1.72 m S?cm―1) at room temperature. Lithium iron phosphate(Li Fe PO4)/lithium(Li) cells using these separators display superior discharge capacity and better rate performance as compared with those from the commercialized ones. The results provide new insight into the design and development of separators for high-performance lithium ion batteries with enhanced safety.     

PVDF-HFP/PMMA-coated PE separator for lithium ion battery

Microporous poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)/poly(methyl methacryate) (PMMA)-coated polyethylene (PE) separators were prepared by a simple dip-coating process with various compositions of PVDF-HFP/PMMA mixture under 40% relative humidity condition. The results indicate that the porosity, liquid electrolyte uptake, and ionic conductivity of the coated separators are largely affected by a ratio of PVDF-HFP/PMMA mixture and the highest porosity, electrolyte uptake, and ionic conductivity can be achieved at a composition of PVDF-HFP/PMMA (5/5). The results of the cell performance tests also reveal that the PE separator coated with PVDF-HFP/PMMA in a ratio of 5:5 provides better rate capability and cycle stability than other PE separators coated with different ratios.     

Fabrication and characterization of SiO2/PVDF composite nanofiber‐coated PP nonwoven separators for lithium‐ion batteries

SiO₂/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite nanofiber‐coated polypropylene (PP) nonwoven membranes were prepared by electrospinning of SiO₂/PVDF dispersions onto both sides of PP nonwovens. The goal of this study was to combine the good mechanical strength of PP nonwoven with the excellent electrochemical properties of SiO₂/PVDF composite nanofibers to obtain a new high‐performance separator. It was found that the addition of SiO₂ nanoparticles played an important role in improving the overall performance of these nanofiber‐coated nonwoven membranes. Among the membranes with various SiO₂ contents, 15% SiO₂/PVDF composite nanofiber‐coated PP nonwoven membranes provided the highest ionic conductivity of 2.6 × 10^?3 S cm^?1 after being immersed in a liquid electrolyte, 1 mol L^?1 lithium hexafluorophosphate in ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate and diethyl carbonate. Compared with pure PVDF nanofiber‐coated PP nonwoven membranes, SiO₂/PVDF composite fiber‐coated PP nonwoven membranes had greater liquid electrolyte uptake, higher electrochemical oxidation limit, and lower interfacial resistance with lithium. SiO₂/PVDF composite fiber‐coated PP nonwoven membrane separators were assembled into lithium/lithium iron phosphate cells and demonstrated high cell capacities and good cycling performance at room temperature. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013 , 51, 1719–1726     

Separator technologies for lithium-ion batteries

Although separators do not participate in the electrochemical reactions in a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, they perform the critical functions of physically separating the positive and negative electrodes while permitting the free flow of lithium ions through the liquid electrolyte that fill in their open porous structure. Separators for liquid electrolyte Li-ion batteries can be classified into porous polymeric membranes, nonwoven mats, and composite separators. Porous membranes are most commonly used due to their relatively low processing cost and good mechanical properties. Although not widely used in Li-ion batteries, nonwoven mats have the potential for low cost and thermally stable separators. Recent composite separators have attracted much attention, however, as they offer excellent thermal stability and wettability by the nonaqueous electrolyte. The present paper (1) presents an overview of separator characterization techniques, (2) reviews existing technologies for producing different types of separators, and (3) discusses directions for future investigation. Research into separator fabrication techniques and chemical modifications, coupled with the numerical modeling, should lead to further improvements in the performance and abuse tolerance as well as cost reduction of Li-ion batteries.     

A multilayer composite separator consisting of non-woven mats and ceramic particles for use in lithium ion batteries

Battery separator is a porous membrane that is placed between the positive and negative electrodes to avoid their electric contact, while maintaining a good ionic flow through the liquid electrolyte filled in its pores. Non-woven mats have been evaluated as battery separators due to their highly porous structures. In this study, composite non-woven mats were fabricated through electrospinning and lamination with a ceramic layer, and evaluated as lithium ion battery separators. The lamination with the ceramic layer provides not only improved separator dimensional stability at elevated temperatures but also the potential to increase the production rate of electrospun separators. The electrospun mats keep ceramic particles from dropping avoiding the non-uniform current density distribution caused by the loss of the ceramic particles. The composite separators enabled good ionic conductivity when saturated with a liquid electrolyte. Coin cells with this type of separators showed not only stable cycling performance but also good rate capabilities at room temperature.     

静电纺聚偏氟乙烯@硅藻土锂离子电池隔膜的制备及性能

以聚偏氟乙烯(PVDF)和硅藻土为原料,通过静电纺丝法制备PVDF@硅藻土复合纤维膜,用于锂离子电池隔膜。 研究了隔膜的吸液率、热稳定性和电化学性能等。 添加硅藻土可有效提高复合膜的电解液吸收率和电化学性能,其中吸液率可达623.6%,相比于PVDF膜和聚丙烯(PP)膜具有优异的循环性能和倍率性能。     

Recent advances on battery separators based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) and its copolymers for lithium-ion battery applications

Lithium-ion batteries represent one of the most suitable systems for effective energy storage for a wide range of applications, such as smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, or even home storage systems. Among the different battery components, the separator plays an essential role in the performance of the batteries; its most relevant characteristics are (micro)structure, wettability, thermal and mechanical properties, and ionic conductivity value. This work provides a comprehensive review of the current state of the art in lithium-ion battery separator membranes based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its copolymers. The most recent developments in the last two years are presented, focusing on the different separator types that have been developed with the aim of improving wettability, thermal characteristics, and cycling behavior. The most used types of PVDF separators are composites, polymer blends, and the combination of both. Among the most common fillers, metal–organic frameworks, ionic liquids, and ceramic particles have been used for the development of PVDF-based composites and polymers such as poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide), poly(acrylonitrile), poly(tetrafluoroethylene), or poly(methyl methacrylate), for the development of polymer blends. Electrospinning is one of the most used processing techniques to improve wettability, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. The wettability of separators has been also improved by using PVDF as a coating on commercial separators.It is shown that PVDF-based battery separators can play an important role in the next generation of high-performance batteries.     

Rational Design of Cellulose Nanofibrils Separator for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) with high thermal stability and excellent electrolyte wettability attracted tremendous attention as a promising separator for the emerging sodium-ion batteries. The pore structure of the separator plays a vital role in electrochemical performance. CNF separators are assembled using the bottom-up approach in this study, and the pore structure is carefully controlled through film-forming techniques. The acid-treated separators prepared from the solvent exchange and freeze-drying demonstrated an optimal pore structure with a high electrolyte uptake rate (978.8%) and Na⁺ transference number (0.88). Consequently, the obtained separator showed a reversible specific capacity of 320 mAh/g and enhanced cycling performance at high rates compared to the commercial glass fiber separator (290 mAh/g). The results highlight that CNF separators with an optimized pore structure are advisable for sodium-ion batteries.     

Study of Carbamate‐Modified Disiloxane in Porous PVDF‐HFP Membranes: New Electrolytes/Separators for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

A gel electrolyte membrane is obtained through the absorption of a carbamate‐modified liquid disiloxane‐containing lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI) by using macroporous poly(vinylidene fluoride–hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) membranes. The porous membranes are prepared by means of a phase inversion technique. The resulting gel electrolyte membrane is studied by using differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and microscope mapping through coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) confocal microscopy and impedance spectroscopy. The ionic conductivity of the gel electrolyte is 10^?4 S cm^?1 at 20 °C. FTIR spectroscopy reveals interactions between LiTFSI and the carbonyl moiety of the disiloxane. No interactions between LiTFSI and PVDF‐HFP or between disiloxane and PVDF‐HFP are detected by FTIR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the distribution of the α and β/γ phases of PVDF‐HFP and the homogeneous distribution of disiloxane/LiTFSI in the gel electrolyte membranes are examined by FTIR mapping. CARS confocal microscopy is used to image the three‐dimensional interconnectivity, which reveals a reticulated structure of macrovoids in the porous PVDF‐HFP framework. Owing to properties such as electrochemical and thermal stability of the disiloxane‐based liquid electrolyte and the mechanical stability of the porous PVDF‐HFP membrane, the gel electrolyte membranes presented herein are promising candidates for applications as electrolytes/separators in lithium‐ion batteries.     

Polymer/colloid dual-phase electrolyte membrane for rechargeable lithium batteries

In this work, a polymer/ceramic phase-separation porous membrane is first prepared from polyvinyl alcohol–polyacrylonitrile water emulsion mixed with fumed nano-SiO₂ particles by the phase inversion method. This porous membrane is then wetted by a non-aqueous Li–salt liquid electrolyte to form the polymer/colloid dual-phase electrolyte membrane. Compared to the liquid electrolyte in conventional polyolefin separator, the obtained electrolyte membrane has superior properties in high ionic conductivity (1.9 mS?cm^?1 at 30 °C), high Li⁺ transference number (0.41), high electrochemical stability (extended up to 5.0 V versus Li⁺/Li on stainless steel electrode), and good interfacial stability with lithium metal. The test cell of Li/LiCoO₂ with the electrolyte membrane as separator also shows high-rate capability and excellent cycle performance. The polymer/colloid dual-phase electrolyte membrane shows promise for application in rechargeable lithium batteries.     

Thickness difference induced pore structure variations in cellulosic separators for lithium-ion batteries

The pore structure of the separator is crucial to the performance of a lithium-battery as it affects the cell resistance. Herein, a straightforward approach to vary the pore structure of Cladophora cellulose (CC) separators is presented. It is demonstrated that the pore size and porosity of the CC separator can be increased merely by decreasing the thickness of the CC separator by using less CC in the manufacturing of the separator. As the pore size and porosity of the CC separator are increased, the mass transport through the separator is increased which decreases the electrolyte resistance in the pores of the separator. This enhances the battery performance, particularly at higher cycling rates, as is demonstrated for LiFePO₄/Li half-cells. A specific capacity of around 100 mAh g^?1 was hence obtained at a cycling rate of 2 C with a 10 µm thick CC separator while specific capacities of 40 and close to 0 mAh g^?1 were obtained for separators with thicknesses of 20 and 40 µm, respectively. As the results also showed that a higher ionic conductivity was obtained for the 10 µm thick CC separator than for the 20 and 40 µm thick CC separators, it is clear that the different pore structure of the separators was an important factor affecting the battery performance in addition to the separator thickness. The present straightforward, yet efficient, strategy for altering the pore structure hence holds significant promise for the manufacturing of separators with improved performance, as well as for fundamental studies of the influence of the properties of the separator on the performance of lithium-ion cells.