Properties of gel polymer electrolytes based on poly(butyl acrylate) semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks toward Li-ion batteries

A new type of gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) based on poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was prepared in different molar ratios ranging from 1:0.5 to 1:1. A series of structure characterizations of PBA/PVDF had been measured using FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The electrolyte uptake test revealed that when the semi-IPNs were swollen with the commercial liquid electrolyte solutions, they showed an outstanding electrolyte uptake of 120% with a chemically cross-linked structure. All results indicated that the GPE exhibited the best performance when the molar ratio of BA and PVDF was 1:0.5. The prototype cell assembled with LiFePO₄ as cathode, lithium metal as anode, and GPE as the electrolyte as well as separator retained 94% of its initial specific capacity after 100 charge-discharge cycles, showing an excellent cycling stability and a high electrochemical window (up to 4.5 V against Li⁺/Li) at room temperature. Compared with the liquid electrolyte, the GPE exhibited a similar stable cycling performance and was suitable for practical application in Li-ion batteries.