Plastic crystal embedded elastomer electrolyte (PCEE) via polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS) was developed for lithium metal batteries.
Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional Li ion batteries due to their higher energy density. Solid-state electrolytes are a key technology for the safe operation of lithium metal batteries. Especially, solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are a strong candidate for solid-state LMBs, with their advantages such as high flexibility, light-weight, and easy processability. However, SPEs usually have limitations, such as low ionic conductivity and insufficient mechanical properties to suppress the growth of lithium dendrites during cycling. Therefore, we developed PCEE showing the bicontinuous structure of plastic crystal phase and elastomer phase via PIPS. This bicontinuous structure allows for independent optimization of each phase to achieve superior ionic conductivity of plastic crystal and mechanical properties of elastomer simultaneously. Based on this advatnages, we design the PCEE with manipulating each phase respectively (e.g. phase ratio, monomer structure). We anticipate that the synergistic effects of the bicontinuous structure enable the superior performance of SPE-LMBs.
Polymeric Protective Layers (PPLs) with various functionalities were developed for stabilizing lithium metal anode.
The practical application of Li metal batteries (LMBs) is hindered by the instability of the native solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), and dendrite growth. To address these issues, polymers are employed as artificial layers to prevent side reactions between Li and the liquid electrolyte while facilitating uniform Li plating and stripping, thereby improving the cycling stability of LMBs. Therefore, we introduce a UV-curable polymeric protective layer (PPL), applied in a simple 5-minute coating and curing process. This method is compatible with scalable techniques such as doctor-blading, ensuring uniform coating and precise thickness control. The cross-linked polymer network within the PPL maintains intimate contact with the lithium anode during plating and stripping, while accommodating Li volume change. Additionally, its solvent-repellent chemistry suppresses parasitic reactions, and its lithium-salt affinity promotes a stable, thin SEI that effectively reduces dendrite formation. By tuning the cross-link density and interfacial functionality, we can optimize elasticity, solvent exclusion, and SEI composition. Overall, the UV-curable PPL provides the necessary mechanical compliance and interfacial control for next-generation high-energy batteries, offering a promising approach to current LMB limitations.
Block copolymer (BCP)-based mesoporous carbon particle systems were developed for various energy applications: cathode materials for highly durable fuel cell and anode materials for high performance battery.
The increasing demand and fast expansion of electric vehicle market urges developing proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) and next generation battery. One major component of a typical PEMFC is the Pt catalysts loaded on the cathode, where the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) occurs. Due to the sluggish reaction kinetics of the ORR, a massive amount of Pt is required, hindering the expansion of the PEMFC market. Therefore, we have developed BCP-based mesoporous carbon particle with an ultra-small amount of Pt. This particle shows exceptionally high mass activity and durability in single cell test. Furthermore, these mesoporous particles exhibit versatility as a 3D hierarchical host, suitable for applications in anode-free sodium-metal batteries and high-performance zinc metal anodes. The study focuses on manipulating the structures of the carbon host to effectively tackle challenges associated with dendrite growth, a prevalent issue impacting the performance of zinc batteries. Additionally, the optimization of metal atom coordination is emphasized as a means to attain high performance in zinc-based battery systems, leveraging the inherent zincophilicity of the designed structures.
Reversible color and shape transformation of and BCP particles in response to external stimuli, such as temperature, pH, and light, were achieved.
Shape-transformable particles response to external stimuli are highly promising smart materials due to their switchable optical properties, rheological behavior, and cellular interactions. We have developed the shape-transforming polymer particle system by combining BCP self-assembly in 3D confinement with stimuli-responsive components. In this aspect, we have developed a simple and effective method for producing anisotropic BCP particles by utilizing stimuli-responsive surfactants that lead to the reversible shape and morphological transitions in response to external triggers. Additionally, we have designed multifunctional BCPs based on polymers responsive to various stimuli such as temperature, pH, light, gas, etc. Moreover, we have created functional hydrogel displays that shows the reversible patterning capability response to specific wavelength of light.
