Electrospun core-shell microfiber separator with thermal-triggered flame-retardant properties for lithium-ion batteries

A novel “smart” separator with thermal-triggered flame-retardant properties for lithium-ion batteries to improve their safety. Although the energy densities of batteries continue to increase, safety problems (for example, fires and explosions) associated with the use of highly flammable liquid organic electrolytes remain a big issue, significantly hindering further practical applications of the next generation of high-energy batteries. We have fabricated a novel “smart” nonwoven electrospun separator with thermal-triggered flame-retardant properties for lithium-ion batteries. The encapsulation of a flame retardant inside a protective polymer shell has prevented direct dissolution of the retardant agent into the electrolyte, which would otherwise have negative effects on battery performance. During thermal runaway of the lithium-ion battery, the protective polymer shell would melt, triggered by the increased temperature, and the flame retardant would be released, thus effectively suppressing the combustion of the highly flammable electrolytes.

[1]  Yi Cui,et al.  Promises and challenges of nanomaterials for lithium-based rechargeable batteries , 2016, Nature Energy.

[2]  Yuki Yamada,et al.  Superconcentrated electrolytes for a high-voltage lithium-ion battery , 2016, Nature Communications.

[3]  Doron Aurbach,et al.  Promise and reality of post-lithium-ion batteries with high energy densities , 2016 .

[4]  Zhenan Bao,et al.  Fast and reversible thermoresponsive polymer switching materials for safer batteries , 2016, Nature Energy.

[5]  Jeong-Hoon Kim,et al.  Superlattice Crystals–Mimic, Flexible/Functional Ceramic Membranes: Beyond Polymeric Battery Separators , 2015 .

[6]  Dezhi Wu,et al.  Functional separator consisted of polyimide nonwoven fabrics and polyethylene coating layer for lithium-ion batteries , 2015 .

[7]  Myung-Hyun Ryou,et al.  New flame-retardant composite separators based on metal hydroxides for lithium-ion batteries , 2015 .

[8]  Hui Wu,et al.  Improving battery safety by early detection of internal shorting with a bifunctional separator , 2014, Nature Communications.

[9]  Jiulin Wang,et al.  Towards a safe lithium-sulfur battery with a flame-inhibiting electrolyte and a sulfur-based composite cathode. , 2014, Angewandte Chemie.

[10]  N. Wang,et al.  Preparation of PVDF/PVP core–shell nanofibers mats via homogeneous electrospinning , 2014 .

[11]  Joseph M. DeSimone,et al.  Nonflammable perfluoropolyether-based electrolytes for lithium batteries , 2014, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

[12]  Bo Zhang,et al.  Sustainable, heat-resistant and flame-retardant cellulose-based composite separator for high-performance lithium ion battery , 2014, Scientific Reports.

[13]  Xi Zhang,et al.  25th Anniversary Article: Reversible and Adaptive Functional Supramolecular Materials: “Noncovalent Interaction” Matters , 2013, Advanced materials.

[14]  Jianqiu Li,et al.  A review on the key issues for lithium-ion battery management in electric vehicles , 2013 .

[15]  Guangyuan Zheng,et al.  Nanostructured sulfur cathodes. , 2013, Chemical Society reviews.

[16]  J. Nie,et al.  Electric field induced phase separation on electrospinning polyelectrolyte based core-shell nanofibers. , 2012, Carbohydrate polymers.

[17]  Sung Min Kang,et al.  Mussel- and Diatom-Inspired Silica Coating on Separators Yields Improved Power and Safety in Li-Ion Batteries , 2012 .

[18]  Qingsong Wang,et al.  Thermal runaway caused fire and explosion of lithium ion battery , 2012 .

[19]  B. Blaiszik,et al.  Autonomic Shutdown of Lithium‐Ion Batteries Using Thermoresponsive Microspheres , 2012 .

[20]  Jean-Marie Tarascon,et al.  Li-O2 and Li-S batteries with high energy storage. , 2011, Nature materials.

[21]  Sang‐young Lee,et al.  Close-packed SiO2/poly(methyl methacrylate) binary nanoparticles-coated polyethylene separators for lithium-ion batteries , 2010 .

[22]  J. Goodenough,et al.  Challenges for Rechargeable Li Batteries , 2010 .

[23]  Takao Ogino,et al.  Flame-Retardant Additives for Lithium-Ion Batteries , 2009 .

[24]  M. Armand,et al.  Building better batteries , 2008, Nature.

[25]  Hajime Matsumoto,et al.  Application of nonflammable electrolyte with room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) for lithium-ion cells , 2007 .

[26]  S. Moon,et al.  Electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries with triphenylphosphate as a flame-retardant additive , 2007 .

[27]  Shengbo Zhang.  A review on electrolyte additives for lithium-ion batteries , 2006 .

[28]  T. P. Kumar,et al.  Safety mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries , 2006 .

[29]  Ganesan Nagasubramanian,et al.  Effects of additives on thermal stability of Li ion cells , 2005 .

[30]  Chusheng Chen,et al.  Comparative study of trimethyl phosphite and trimethyl phosphate as electrolyte additives in lithium ion batteries , 2005 .

[31]  Kang Xu,et al.  Nonaqueous liquid electrolytes for lithium-based rechargeable batteries. , 2004, Chemical reviews.

[32]  B. Lucht,et al.  Hexamethylphosphoramide as a flame retarding additive for lithium-ion battery electrolytes , 2004 .

[33]  Pankaj Arora,et al.  Battery separators. , 2004, Chemical reviews.

[34]  H. Ota,et al.  Effect of cyclic phosphate additive in non-flammable electrolyte , 2003 .

[35]  J. Arai.  A novel non-flammable electrolyte containing methyl nonafluorobutyl ether for lithium secondary batteries , 2002 .

[36]  Kang Xu,et al.  An Attempt to Formulate Nonflammable Lithium Ion Electrolytes with Alkyl Phosphates and Phosphazenes , 2002 .

[37]  M. Armand,et al.  Issues and challenges facing rechargeable lithium batteries , 2001, Nature.

[38]  E. Yasukawa,et al.  Nonflammable Trimethyl Phosphate Solvent-Containing Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries: I. Fundamental Properties , 2001 .

[39]  Paul A. Nelson,et al.  Development of a high-power lithium-ion battery , 1998 .

[40]  A. Granzow,et al.  Flame retardation by phosphorus compounds , 1978 .