Ionogel-Based Solid Electrolytes for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Abstract
This is a new NURP project between UCLA and NRL.Improve the safety of sodium-ion batteries by utilizing sodium-ion conducting ionogel electrolytes which are designed to overcome these problems. The ionogel approach is based on the use of sol-gel synthesis methods to encapsulate, within an inorganic matrix, ionic liquids which offer unique thermal, chemical and electrochemical properties. Abstract:The current generation of rechargeable sodium-ion batteries are emerging as an alternative energy storage technology that avoids some of the limitations of lithium-ion battery technology, especially with respect to safety and long-term economic viability. The next step towards improving the safety of sodium-ion batteries is to move towards solid-state battery systems. Prior experience with lithium-based solid state batteries has shown that the solid electrolyte is the principal component that limits this technology because of low ionic conductivity and the presence of an interfacial resistance between the electrode and the electrolyte. In this proposal we will develop sodium-ion conducting ionogel electrolytes which are designed to overcome these problems. The ionogel approach is based on the use of sol-gel synthesis methods to encapsulate, within an inorganic matrix, ionic liquids which offer unique thermal, chemical and electrochemical properties. In this program we plan to create a range of sodium-ion conducting ionogels and establish a fundamental understanding of the factors determining their transport properties and electrochemical behavior. It is only from such a fundamental study that we will be able to achieve the necessary ionic conductivity and especially the low interfacial resistance required for sodium-ion solid-state batteries. An important emphasis in our studies will be to determine the effect of chemistry and microstructure on transport properties and to control confinement effects so that ionogels can be used at low temperatures. Another important component to this program will be to investigate the properties of the electrode/electrolyte interfaces for systems that incorporate Na+ ionogels. This research will take place primarily at the NRL and will involve the investigation of ionogels integrated with both anode and cathode materials that would make up an ultimate Na-ion cell. We expect that the sodium-ion conducting ionogels from this program will enable the development of sodium solid-state batteries that overcome the transport and interfacial problems that have plagued earlier generations of solidstate batteries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 03, 2017
- Source ID
- N000141712244
Entities
People
- Bruce Dunn
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Los Angeles