Enabling interfacial stability via 3D networking single ion conducting nano fiber electrolyte for high performance lithium metal batteries

Enabling high ion conductivity, lithium-ion transference number ( t L i + ) and excellent interfacial compatibility of polymer electrolyte with lithium metal anode/cathode plays a vital role in surmounting the challenges of uncontrollable lithium (Li) dendrite and low energy density of Li metal batteries (LMBs). In this contribution, a highly porous three-dimensional (3D) semi-interpenetrated polymer networks (semi-IPNs) based single ion conducting electrospun fiber-gel composite polymer electrolyte ( es -FGPE) is prepared by thermal-initiated in situ polymerization of the pentaerythritol tetra-acrylate (PETEA) units in a single ion conducting polymer electrospun nano fiber SPCE membrane ( es -SIPE) inside the batteries . The as-fabricated es -FGPE assembled LiFePO 4 (LFP)/Li metal batteries demonstrates a high C-rate discharge capacity and an outstanding cyclability with a capacity retention of 82.5% after 1000 cycles at 1C (1 = 170 mA g −1 ). It is noted that in situ polymerization of the semi-IPNs inside the batteries can afford to a multifunctional breakthrough of enhancing ionic conductivity , reinforcing lithium anode and LFP cathode interfaces. We believe that the present semi-IPNs highlight the significance of the enhancement of the interfacial properties of both a cathode and a Li metal anode for achieving real application of lithium metal anode .