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Journal ArticleDOI

A review of recent developments in membrane separators for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

12 Nov 2014-Energy and Environmental Science (The Royal Society of Chemistry)-Vol. 7, Iss: 12, pp 3857-3886
TL;DR: In this article, the recent developments and the characteristics of membrane separators for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are reviewed and the outlook and future directions in this research field are also given.
Abstract: In this paper, the recent developments and the characteristics of membrane separators for lithium-ion batteries are reviewed. In recent years, there have been intensive efforts to develop advanced battery separators for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for different applications such as portable electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage for power grids. The separator is a critical component of lithium-ion batteries since it provides a physical barrier between the positive and negative electrodes in order to prevent electrical short circuits. The separator also serves as the electrolyte reservoir for the transport of ions during the charging and discharging cycles of a battery. The performance of lithium-ion batteries is greatly affected by the materials and structure of the separators. This paper introduces the requirements of battery separators and the structure and properties of five important types of membrane separators which are microporous membranes, modified microporous membranes, non-woven mats, composite membranes and electrolyte membranes. Each separator type has inherent advantages and disadvantages which influence the performance of lithium-ion batteries. The structures, characteristics, manufacturing, modification, and performance of separators are described in this review paper. The outlook and future directions in this research field are also given.
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review the developments with respect to emerging electrochemical energy storage configurations, including, amongst others, paintable, transparent, flexible, wire or cable shaped, ultra-thin and ultra-thick configurations, as well as hybrid energy storage-conversion, or graphene-incorporated batteries and supercapacitors.
Abstract: Batteries have become fundamental building blocks for the mobility of modern society. Continuous development of novel battery chemistries and electrode materials has nourished progress in building better batteries. Simultaneously, novel device form factors and designs with multi-functional components have been proposed, requiring batteries to not only integrate seamlessly to these devices, but to also be a multi-functional component for a multitude of applications. Thus, in the past decade, along with developments in the component materials, the focus has been shifting more and more towards novel fabrication processes, unconventional configurations, and additional functionalities. This work attempts to critically review the developments with respect to emerging electrochemical energy storage configurations, including, amongst others, paintable, transparent, flexible, wire or cable shaped, ultra-thin and ultra-thick configurations, as well as hybrid energy storage-conversion, or graphene-incorporated batteries and supercapacitors. The performance requirements are elaborated together with the advantages, but also the limitations, with respect to established electrochemical energy storage technologies. Finally, challenges in developing novel materials with tailored properties that would allow such configurations, and in designing easier manufacturing techniques that can be widely adopted are considered.

265 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Li et al. as mentioned in this paper summarized surface/interface reactions and challenges in the whole cell system of LiNi05Mn15O4-b and summarized the intrinsic surface properties and the mechanism of interfacial interactions between each component in the electrochemical system.
Abstract: Spinel LiNi05Mn15O4 with high operating voltage (∼47 V vs Li/Li+), high theoretical capacity of 148 mAh g–1, fast lithium ion diffusion kinetics, and potentially low cost is the most potential candidate material for high energy density LIBs used in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and pure electric vehicles However, the high operating voltage of LiNi05Mn15O4 challenges the electrochemical stability of other components in the batteries and induces diverse interfacial side reactions, leading to irreversible capacity loss, poor cycling performance, and safety issues, especially at the elevated temperatures Thus, a basic understanding of the intrinsic surface properties of LiNi05Mn15O4 and the mechanism of interfacial interactions between each component in the electrochemical system is a critical requirement for developing substantial enhancements of LiNi05Mn15O4-based batteries In this review, we summarize the surface/interface reactions and challenges in the whole cell system of LiNi05Mn15O4-b

262 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review gives a systematic overview of the state-of-the-art research progress on nanowires for electrochemical energy storage, from rational design and synthesis, in situ structural characterizations, to several important applications in energy storage including lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-ION batteries, and supercapacitors.
Abstract: Nanomaterials provide many desirable properties for electrochemical energy storage devices due to their nanoscale size effect, which could be significantly different from bulk or micron-sized materials. Particularly, confined dimensions play important roles in determining the properties of nanomaterials, such as the kinetics of ion diffusion, the magnitude of strain/stress, and the utilization of active materials. Nanowires, as one of the representative one-dimensional nanomaterials, have great capability for realizing a variety of applications in the fields of energy storage since they could maintain electron transport along the long axis and have a confinement effect across the diameter. In this review, we give a systematic overview of the state-of-the-art research progress on nanowires for electrochemical energy storage, from rational design and synthesis, in situ structural characterizations, to several important applications in energy storage including lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors. The problems and limitations in electrochemical energy storage and the advantages in utilizing nanowires to address the issues and improve the device performance are pointed out. At the end, we also discuss the challenges and demonstrate the prospective for the future development of advanced nanowire-based energy storage devices.

258 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The as-prepared HAP/CF separator has unique advantages of superior electrolyte wettability, mechanical robustness, high thermal stability, and fire resistance, thus, is promising as a new kind of separator for advanced LIBs with enhanced performance and high safety.
Abstract: Separators play a pivotal role in the electrochemical performance and safety of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The commercial microporous polyolefin-based separators often suffer from inferior electrolyte wettability, low thermal stability, and severe safety concerns. Herein, a novel kind of highly flexible and porous separator based on hydroxyapatite nanowires (HAP NWs) with excellent thermal stability, fire resistance, and superior electrolyte wettability is reported. A hierarchical cross-linked network structure forms between HAP NWs and cellulose fibers (CFs) via hybridization, which endows the separator with high flexibility and robust mechanical strength. The high thermal stability of HAP NW networks enables the separator to preserve its structural integrity at temperatures as high as 700 °C, and the fire-resistant property of HAP NWs ensures high safety of the battery. In particular, benefiting from its unique composition and highly porous structure, the as-prepared HAP/CF separator exhibits near zero contact angle with the liquid electrolyte and high electrolyte uptake of 253%, indicating superior electrolyte wettability compared with the commercial polyolefin separator. The as-prepared HAP/CF separator has unique advantages of superior electrolyte wettability, mechanical robustness, high thermal stability, and fire resistance, thus, is promising as a new kind of separator for advanced LIBs with enhanced performance and high safety.

250 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the requirements and properties of membrane separators for lithium-ion batteries, the recent progress on the different types of separators developed, and the manufacturing methods used for their production are discussed.
Abstract: Recently, much effort has been devoted to the development of battery separators for lithium-ion batteries for high-power, high-energy applications ranging from portable electronics to large-scale energy storage for power grids. The separator plays a key role in battery construction because it functions as the physical barrier to prevent electronic contact between the two electrodes and at the same time serves as an electrolyte reservoir, facilitating the ionic conduction. The purpose of this Review is to describe the requirements and properties of membrane separators for lithium-ion batteries, the recent progress on the different types of separators developed, and the manufacturing methods used for their production. Specifically the large-scale manufacturing processes are highlighted along with the processing parameters that affect their properties. The outlook and future directions regarding the development of advanced separator technologies are also discussed.

238 citations

References
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the separators used in liquid electrolyte Li-ion batteries are classified into three groups: microporous polymer membranes, non-woven fabric mats and inorganic composite membranes.

1,407 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the most recent advance in the applications of 0D (nanoparticles), 1D(nanowires and nanotubes), and 2D (thin film) silicon nanomaterials in lithium-ion batteries are summarized.
Abstract: There are growing concerns over the environmental, climate, and health impacts caused by using non-renewable fossil fuels. The utilization of green energy, including solar and wind power, is believed to be one of the most promising alternatives to support more sustainable economic growth. In this regard, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) can play a critically important role. To further increase the energy and power densities of LIBs, silicon anodes have been intensively explored due to their high capacity, low operation potential, environmental friendliness, and high abundance. The main challenges for the practical implementation of silicon anodes, however, are the huge volume variation during lithiation and delithiation processes and the unstable solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) films. Recently, significant breakthroughs have been achieved utilizing advanced nanotechnologies in terms of increasing cycle life and enhancing charging rate performance due partially to the excellent mechanical properties of nanomaterials, high surface area, and fast lithium and electron transportation. Here, the most recent advance in the applications of 0D (nanoparticles), 1D (nanowires and nanotubes), and 2D (thin film) silicon nanomaterials in LIBs are summarized. The synthetic routes and electrochemical performance of these Si nanomaterials, and the underlying reaction mechanisms are systematically described.

1,365 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this tutorial review, the most recent and significant scientific advances in the field of rechargeable batteries, whose performance is dependent on their underlying chemistry, are covered and special emphasis is given to progress in lithium-based technologies.
Abstract: The constant increase in global energy demand, together with the awareness of the finite supply of fossil fuels, has brought about an imperious need to take advantage of renewable energy sources. At the same time, concern over CO2 emissions and future rises in the cost of gasoline has boosted technological efforts to make hybrid and electric vehicles available to the general public. Energy storage is a vital issue to be addressed within this scenario, and batteries are certainly a key player. In this tutorial review, the most recent and significant scientific advances in the field of rechargeable batteries, whose performance is dependent on their underlying chemistry, are covered. In view of its utmost current significance and future prospects, special emphasis is given to progress in lithium-based technologies.

1,250 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
01 Jan 1979

914 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, a magnetophoretically formed high aspect ratio nano-nodes are used for hot-spot cooling in microfluidic environments, which can be dynamically chained and docked onto the hot spots to establish tuneable high-aspect ratio nanofins for the heat exchange between these hot spots and the liquid coolant.
Abstract: The limitation of hot spot cooling in microchips represents an important hurdle for the electronics industry to overcome with coolers yet to exceed the efficiencies required. Nanotechnology-enabled heat sinks that can be magnetophoretically formed onto the hot spots within a microfluidic environment are presented. CrO2 nanoparticles, which are dynamically chained and docked onto the hot spots, establish tuneable high-aspect-ratio nanofins for the heat exchange between these hot spots and the liquid coolant. These nanofins can also be grown and released on demand, absorbing and releasing the heat from the hot spots into the microfluidic system. It is shown that both high aspect ratio and flexibility of the fins have a dramatic effect on increasing the heat sinking efficiency. The system has the potential to offer a practical cooling solution for future electronics.

855 citations