Polymer-ceramic composite electrolyte for high energy lithium batteries*

Solid-state electrolytes are on their way to enable the next generation of energy storage architectures with higher energy density and improved safety. However, each major class of solid electrolytes has intrinsic weaknesses. By combining different classes of solid electrolytes, such as a polymer electrolyte and an oxide ceramic electrolyte, the ultimate goal is to overcome the intrinsic weaknesses of each component and develop a composite electrolyte to achieve high ionic conductivity, good mechanical properties, good chemical stability and adhesion with the electrodes, and thin sheet processability.  In this presentation, both fundamental and applied aspects of composite electrolytes will be discussed. Fundamentally, ion mobility and segmental dynamics at the polymer-ceramic interface are examined by a combined quasi-elastic neutron scattering/solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance methodology. The origin of interfacial resistance for ion transport across the polymer-ceramic interface is elucidated. On the practical side, strategies to achieve optimum interfacial structures is discussed. Limitations of each strategy and an outlook of the development of composite electrolyte will be summarized.