Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy and Catalysis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 40833

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Special Issue Editor

Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
Interests: nanoparticles; quantum dots; polymers; carbon-based materials; metal oxide materials; transition metal chalcogenides; 2D materials; nanostructures; alloys; hybrid materials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rechargeable batteries, ranging from small portable devices to large energy storage systems, have emerged as indispensable electrochemical devices in our daily lives. The three primary components of rechargeable cells are the positive and negative electrodes and the electrolytes. Nanotechnologies are positioned to play a critical role in significantly improving battery performance. The rational design of various nanomaterials has been a major research theme in the process of developing high-performance batteries. Although nanomaterials may face a higher risk of unwanted secondary reactions than bulk materials, a suitable material design can overcome this issue while providing beneficial opportunities. For example, suitably designed nanomaterials may provide a significant increase in the effective surface area of electrodes, thereby increasing the energy storage. Moreover, the judicious design of nanoarchitecture can boost the diffusion of ions into the electrodes, resulting in the enhancement of the electrochemical reaction kinetics.

Among various types of rechargeable batteries, Li-ion batteries are presently regarded as market-leading technologies thanks to their many beneficial features. However, Li-ion batteries still have limitations to be overcome, and thus there is ongoing research into several different types of potential next-generation batteries.

This Special Issue of Nanomaterials will cover the advancements in recent nanotechnologies and nanomaterials for various ion batteries (Li-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, Li–sulfur batteries, multivalent ion batteries, aqueous batteries, etc.). The development of new functional nanomaterials, as important components in these batteries, is the central topic to be discussed in this Special Issue.

Dr. Jaehyun Hur
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • nanostructured cathodes or anodes
  • functional nanomaterials
  • synthesis of electrode materials
  • hybrid nanomaterials
  • advanced electrolytes
  • characterizations

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 178 KiB  
Editorial
Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications
by Jaehyun Hur
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2293; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12132293 - 04 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1277
Abstract
Nanomaterials offer opportunities to improve battery performance in terms of energy density and electrochemical reaction kinetics owing to a significant increase in the effective surface area of electrodes and reduced ion diffusion pathways [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications)

Research

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13 pages, 4612 KiB  
Article
In Situ Growth of W2C/WS2 with Carbon-Nanotube Networks for Lithium-Ion Storage
by Thang Phan Nguyen and Il Tae Kim
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(6), 1003; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12061003 - 18 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1759
Abstract
The combination of W2C and WS2 has emerged as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. W2C possesses high conductivity but the W2C/WS2-alloy nanoflowers show unstable performance because of the lack of [...] Read more.
The combination of W2C and WS2 has emerged as a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. W2C possesses high conductivity but the W2C/WS2-alloy nanoflowers show unstable performance because of the lack of contact with the leaves of the nanoflower. In this study, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were employed as conductive networks for in situ growth of W2C/WS2 alloys. The analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning/transmission electron microscopy showed that the presence of CNTs affected the growth of the alloys, encouraging the formation of a stacking layer with a lattice spacing of ~7.2 Å. Therefore, this self-adjustment in the structure facilitated the insertion/desertion of lithium ions into the active materials. The bare W2C/WS2-alloy anode showed inferior performance, with a capacity retention of ~300 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. In contrast, the WCNT01 anode delivered a highly stable capacity of ~650 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. The calculation based on impedance spectra suggested that the presence of CNTs improved the lithium-ion diffusion coefficient to 50 times that of bare nanoflowers. These results suggest the effectiveness of small quantities of CNTs on the in situ growth of sulfides/carbide alloys: CNTs create networks for the insertion/desertion of lithium ions and improve the cyclic performance of metal-sulfide-based lithium-ion batteries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications)
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17 pages, 5973 KiB  
Article
The Effects of the Binder and Buffering Matrix on InSb-Based Anodes for High-Performance Rechargeable Li-Ion Batteries
by Vo Pham Hoang Huy, Il Tae Kim and Jaehyun Hur
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3420; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11123420 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2348
Abstract
C-decorated intermetallic InSb (InSb–C) was developed as a novel high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). InSb nanoparticles synthesized via a mechanochemical reaction were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and [...] Read more.
C-decorated intermetallic InSb (InSb–C) was developed as a novel high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). InSb nanoparticles synthesized via a mechanochemical reaction were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The effects of the binder and buffering matrix on the active InSb were investigated. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was found to significantly improve the cycling stability owing to its strong hydrogen bonding. The addition of amorphous C to InSb further enhanced mechanical stability and electronic conductivity. As a result, InSb–C demonstrated good electrochemical Li-ion storage performance: a high reversible specific capacity (878 mAh·g−1 at 100 mA·g−1 after 140 cycles) and good rate capability (capacity retention of 98% at 10 A·g−1 as compared to 0.1 A·g−1). The effects of PAA and C were comprehensively studied using cyclic voltammetry, differential capacity plots, ex-situ SEM, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). In addition, the electrochemical reaction mechanism of InSb was revealed using ex-situ XRD. InSb–C exhibited a better performance than many recently reported Sb-based electrodes; thus, it can be considered as a potential anode material in LIBs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications)
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14 pages, 5490 KiB  
Article
Microwave-Assisted Rapid Synthesis of NH4V4O10 Layered Oxide: A High Energy Cathode for Aqueous Rechargeable Zinc Ion Batteries
by Seokhun Kim, Vaiyapuri Soundharrajan, Sungjin Kim, Balaji Sambandam, Vinod Mathew, Jang-Yeon Hwang and Jaekook Kim
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(8), 1905; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11081905 - 24 Jul 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3260
Abstract
Aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries (ARZIBs) have gained wide interest in recent years as prospective high power and high energy devices to meet the ever-rising commercial needs for large-scale eco-friendly energy storage applications. The advancement in the development of electrodes, especially cathodes for [...] Read more.
Aqueous rechargeable zinc ion batteries (ARZIBs) have gained wide interest in recent years as prospective high power and high energy devices to meet the ever-rising commercial needs for large-scale eco-friendly energy storage applications. The advancement in the development of electrodes, especially cathodes for ARZIB, is faced with hurdles related to the shortage of host materials that support divalent zinc storage. Even the existing materials, mostly based on transition metal compounds, have limitations of poor electrochemical stability, low specific capacity, and hence apparently low specific energies. Herein, NH4V4O10 (NHVO), a layered oxide electrode material with a uniquely mixed morphology of plate and belt-like particles is synthesized by a microwave method utilizing a short reaction time (~0.5 h) for use as a high energy cathode for ARZIB applications. The remarkable electrochemical reversibility of Zn2+/H+ intercalation in this layered electrode contributes to impressive specific capacity (417 mAh g−1 at 0.25 A g−1) and high rate performance (170 mAh g−1 at 6.4 A g−1) with almost 100% Coulombic efficiencies. Further, a very high specific energy of 306 Wh Kg−1 at a specific power of 72 W Kg−1 was achieved by the ARZIB using the present NHVO cathode. The present study thus facilitates the opportunity for developing high energy ARZIB electrodes even under short reaction time to explore potential materials for safe and sustainable green energy storage devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications)
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16 pages, 6590 KiB  
Article
Graphene Nanosheet-Wrapped Mesoporous La0.8Ce0.2Fe0.5Mn0.5O3 Perovskite Oxide Composite for Improved Oxygen Reaction Electro-Kinetics and Li-O2 Battery Application
by Chelladurai Karuppiah, Chao-Nan Wei, Natarajan Karikalan, Zong-Han Wu, Balamurugan Thirumalraj, Li-Fan Hsu, Srinivasan Alagar, Shakkthivel Piraman, Tai-Feng Hung, Ying-Jeng Jame Li and Chun-Chen Yang
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 1025; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11041025 - 16 Apr 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2375
Abstract
A novel design and synthesis methodology is the most important consideration in the development of a superior electrocatalyst for improving the kinetics of oxygen electrode reactions, such as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in Li-O2 battery [...] Read more.
A novel design and synthesis methodology is the most important consideration in the development of a superior electrocatalyst for improving the kinetics of oxygen electrode reactions, such as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in Li-O2 battery application. Herein, we demonstrate a glycine-assisted hydrothermal and probe sonication method for the synthesis of a mesoporous spherical La0.8Ce0.2Fe0.5Mn0.5O3 perovskite particle and embedded graphene nanosheet (LCFM(8255)-gly/GNS) composite and evaluate its bifunctional ORR/OER kinetics in Li-O2 battery application. The physicochemical characterization confirms that the as-formed LCFM(8255)-gly perovskite catalyst has a highly crystalline structure and mesoporous morphology with a large specific surface area. The LCFM(8255)-gly/GNS composite hybrid structure exhibits an improved onset potential and high current density toward ORR/OER in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes. The LCFM(8255)-gly/GNS composite cathode (ca. 8475 mAh g−1) delivers a higher discharge capacity than the La0.5Ce0.5Fe0.5Mn0.5O3-gly/GNS cathode (ca. 5796 mAh g−1) in a Li-O2 battery at a current density of 100 mA g−1. Our results revealed that the composite’s high electrochemical activity comes from the synergism of highly abundant oxygen vacancies and redox-active sites due to the Ce and Fe dopant in LaMnO3 and the excellent charge transfer characteristics of the graphene materials. The as-developed cathode catalyst performed appreciable cycle stability up to 55 cycles at a limited capacity of 1000 mAh g−1 based on conventional glass fiber separators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications)
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9 pages, 4521 KiB  
Article
A Facile Chemical Method Enabling Uniform Zn Deposition for Improved Aqueous Zn-Ion Batteries
by Congcong Liu, Qiongqiong Lu, Ahmad Omar and Daria Mikhailova
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 764; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11030764 - 18 Mar 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3755
Abstract
Rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) have gained great attention due to their high safety and the natural abundance of Zn. Unfortunately, the Zn metal anode suffers from dendrite growth due to nonuniform deposition during the plating/stripping process, leading to a sudden failure of [...] Read more.
Rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) have gained great attention due to their high safety and the natural abundance of Zn. Unfortunately, the Zn metal anode suffers from dendrite growth due to nonuniform deposition during the plating/stripping process, leading to a sudden failure of the batteries. Herein, Cu coated Zn (Cu–Zn) was prepared by a facile pretreatment method using CuSO4 aqueous solution. The Cu coating transformed into an alloy interfacial layer with a high affinity for Zn, which acted as a nucleation site to guide the uniform Zn nucleation and plating. As a result, Cu–Zn demonstrated a cycling life of up to 1600 h in the symmetric cells and endowed a stable cycling performance with a capacity of 207 mAh g−1 even after 1000 cycles in the full cells coupled with a V2O5-based cathode. This work provides a simple and effective strategy to enable uniform Zn deposition for improved ZIBs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications)
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13 pages, 4220 KiB  
Article
Ag Nanoparticle-Decorated MoS2 Nanosheets for Enhancing Electrochemical Performance in Lithium Storage
by Thang Phan Nguyen and Il Tae Kim
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 626; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11030626 - 03 Mar 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3026
Abstract
Metallic phase 1T MoS2 is a well-known potential anode for enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries owing to its mechanical/chemical stability and high conductivity. However, during the lithiation/delithiation process, MoS2 nanosheets (NSs) tend to restack to form bulky structures that [...] Read more.
Metallic phase 1T MoS2 is a well-known potential anode for enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries owing to its mechanical/chemical stability and high conductivity. However, during the lithiation/delithiation process, MoS2 nanosheets (NSs) tend to restack to form bulky structures that deteriorate the cycling performance of bare MoS2 anodes. In this study, we prepared Ag nanoparticle (NP)-decorated 1T MoS2 NSs via a liquid exfoliation method with lithium intercalation and simple reduction of AgNO3 in NaBH4. Ag NPs were uniformly distributed on the MoS2 surface with the assistance of 3-mercapto propionic acid. Ag NPs with the size of a few nanometers enhanced the conductivity of the MoS2 NS and improved the electrochemical performance of the MoS2 anode. Specifically, the anode designated as Ag3@MoS2 (prepared with AgNO3 and MoS2 in a weight ratio of 1:10) exhibited the best cycling performance and delivered a reversible specific capacity of 510 mAh·g−1 (approximately 73% of the initial capacity) after 100 cycles. Moreover, the rate performance of this sample had a remarkable recovery capacity of ~100% when the current decreased from 1 to 0.1 A·g−1. The results indicate that the Ag nanoparticle-decorated 1T MoS2 can be employed as a high-rate capacity anode in lithium-ion storage applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications)
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13 pages, 3496 KiB  
Article
Self-Assembled Few-Layered MoS2 on SnO2 Anode for Enhancing Lithium-Ion Storage
by Thang Phan Nguyen and Il Tae Kim
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(12), 2558; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10122558 - 20 Dec 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2808
Abstract
SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have been used as reversible high-capacity anode materials in lithium-ion batteries, with reversible capacities reaching 740 mAh·g−1. However, large SnO2 NPs do not perform well in charge–discharge cycling. In this work, we report the incorporation of [...] Read more.
SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have been used as reversible high-capacity anode materials in lithium-ion batteries, with reversible capacities reaching 740 mAh·g−1. However, large SnO2 NPs do not perform well in charge–discharge cycling. In this work, we report the incorporation of MoS2 nanosheet (NS) layers with SnO2 NPs. SnO2 NPs of ~5 nm in diameter synthesized by a facile hydrothermal precipitation method. Meanwhile, MoS2 NSs of a few hundreds of nanometers to a few micrometers in lateral size were produced by top-down chemical exfoliation. The self-assembly of the MoS2 NS layer on the gas–liquid interface was first demonstrated to achieve up to 80% coverage of the SnO2 NP anode surface. The electrochemical properties of the pure SnO2 NPs and MoS2-covered SnO2 NP anodes were investigated. The results showed that the SnO2 electrode with a single-layer MoS2 NS film exhibited better electrochemical performance than the pure SnO2 anode in lithium storage applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications)
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Review

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32 pages, 10640 KiB  
Review
Zn Metal Anodes for Zn-Ion Batteries in Mild Aqueous Electrolytes: Challenges and Strategies
by Vo Pham Hoang Huy, Luong Trung Hieu and Jaehyun Hur
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(10), 2746; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11102746 - 17 Oct 2021
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5712
Abstract
Over the past few years, rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries have garnered significant interest as potential alternatives for lithium-ion batteries because of their low cost, high theoretical capacity, low redox potential, and environmentally friendliness. However, several constraints associated with Zn metal anodes, such as [...] Read more.
Over the past few years, rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries have garnered significant interest as potential alternatives for lithium-ion batteries because of their low cost, high theoretical capacity, low redox potential, and environmentally friendliness. However, several constraints associated with Zn metal anodes, such as the growth of Zn dendrites, occurrence of side reactions, and hydrogen evolution during repeated stripping/plating processes result in poor cycling life and low Coulombic efficiency, which severely impede further advancements in this technology. Despite recent efforts and impressive breakthroughs, the origin of these fundamental obstacles remains unclear and no successful strategy that can address these issues has been developed yet to realize the practical applications of rechargeable aqueous Zn-ion batteries. In this review, we have discussed various issues associated with the use of Zn metal anodes in mildly acidic aqueous electrolytes. Various strategies, including the shielding of the Zn surface, regulating the Zn deposition behavior, creating a uniform electric field, and controlling the surface energy of Zn metal anodes to repress the growth of Zn dendrites and the occurrence of side reactions, proposed to overcome the limitations of Zn metal anodes have also been discussed. Finally, the future perspectives of Zn anodes and possible design strategies for developing highly stable Zn anodes in mildly acidic aqueous environments have been discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications)
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25 pages, 2219 KiB  
Review
Review of ZnO Binary and Ternary Composite Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries
by Vu Khac Hoang Bui, Tuyet Nhung Pham, Jaehyun Hur and Young-Chul Lee
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(8), 2001; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11082001 - 04 Aug 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4109
Abstract
To enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries, zinc oxide (ZnO) has generated interest as an anode candidate owing to its high theoretical capacity. However, because of its limitations such as its slow chemical reaction kinetics, intense capacity fading on potential cycling, and low [...] Read more.
To enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries, zinc oxide (ZnO) has generated interest as an anode candidate owing to its high theoretical capacity. However, because of its limitations such as its slow chemical reaction kinetics, intense capacity fading on potential cycling, and low rate capability, composite anodes of ZnO and other materials are manufactured. In this study, we introduce binary and ternary composites of ZnO with other metal oxides (MOs) and carbon-based materials. Most ZnO-based composite anodes exhibit a higher specific capacity, rate performance, and cycling stability than a single ZnO anode. The synergistic effects between ZnO and the other MOs or carbon-based materials can explain the superior electrochemical characteristics of these ZnO-based composites. This review also discusses some of their current limitations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications)
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30 pages, 7929 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Cathode Materials for Aqueous Rechargeable Multivalent Metal-Ion Batteries
by Vo Pham Hoang Huy, Yong Nam Ahn and Jaehyun Hur
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1517; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11061517 - 08 Jun 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6666
Abstract
The generation of renewable energy is a promising solution to counter the rapid increase in energy consumption. Nevertheless, the availability of renewable resources (e.g., wind, solar, and tidal) is non-continuous and temporary in nature, posing new demands for the production of next-generation large-scale [...] Read more.
The generation of renewable energy is a promising solution to counter the rapid increase in energy consumption. Nevertheless, the availability of renewable resources (e.g., wind, solar, and tidal) is non-continuous and temporary in nature, posing new demands for the production of next-generation large-scale energy storage devices. Because of their low cost, highly abundant raw materials, high safety, and environmental friendliness, aqueous rechargeable multivalent metal-ion batteries (AMMIBs) have recently garnered immense attention. However, several challenges hamper the development of AMMIBs, including their narrow electrochemical stability, poor ion diffusion kinetics, and electrode instability. Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have been extensively investigated for applications in energy storage devices because of their distinct chemical and physical properties. The wide interlayer distance of layered TMDs is an appealing property for ion diffusion and intercalation. This review focuses on the most recent advances in TMDs as cathode materials for aqueous rechargeable batteries based on multivalent charge carriers (Zn2+, Mg2+, and Al3+). Through this review, the key aspects of TMD materials for high-performance AMMIBs are highlighted. Furthermore, additional suggestions and strategies for the development of improved TMDs are discussed to inspire new research directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications)
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38 pages, 13056 KiB  
Review
Inorganic Fillers in Composite Gel Polymer Electrolytes for High-Performance Lithium and Non-Lithium Polymer Batteries
by Vo Pham Hoang Huy, Seongjoon So and Jaehyun Hur
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 614; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11030614 - 01 Mar 2021
Cited by 49 | Viewed by 9112
Abstract
Among the various types of polymer electrolytes, gel polymer electrolytes have been considered as promising electrolytes for high-performance lithium and non-lithium batteries. The introduction of inorganic fillers into the polymer-salt system of gel polymer electrolytes has emerged as an effective strategy to achieve [...] Read more.
Among the various types of polymer electrolytes, gel polymer electrolytes have been considered as promising electrolytes for high-performance lithium and non-lithium batteries. The introduction of inorganic fillers into the polymer-salt system of gel polymer electrolytes has emerged as an effective strategy to achieve high ionic conductivity and excellent interfacial contact with the electrode. In this review, the detailed roles of inorganic fillers in composite gel polymer electrolytes are presented based on their physical and electrochemical properties in lithium and non-lithium polymer batteries. First, we summarize the historical developments of gel polymer electrolytes. Then, a list of detailed fillers applied in gel polymer electrolytes is presented. Possible mechanisms of conductivity enhancement by the addition of inorganic fillers are discussed for each inorganic filler. Subsequently, inorganic filler/polymer composite electrolytes studied for use in various battery systems, including Li-, Na-, Mg-, and Zn-ion batteries, are discussed. Finally, the future perspectives and requirements of the current composite gel polymer electrolyte technologies are highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Ion Battery Applications)
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