Battery (electricity)

Quantum mechanics

Composite number

Engineering

Biology

Electrochemistry

Materials science

Cellulose

Power (physics)

Cellulose fiber

Chemical engineering

Internal resistance

Physical chemistry

Genetics

Thermodynamics

Physics

Shrinkage

Membrane

Composite material

Fiber

Chemistry

Electrode

Separator (oil production)

Thermal stability

Papermaking

ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

The membrane is one of the key inner parts of lithium-ion batteries, which determines the interfacial structure and internal resistance, ultimately affecting the capacity, cycling, and safety performance of the cell. In this article, an alginate-based fiber composite membrane was successfully fabricated from cellulose and calcium alginate with flame-retardant properties via a traditional papermaking process. In the membrane, the calcium alginate plays a bridging role and the cellulose acts as a filler. After 100 cycles, lithium-ion batteries by the alginate-based fiber separator exhibited better capacity retention ratios (approximately 90%) compared with those of commercial PP separators. Furthermore, the alginate-based fiber separator demonstrated fine thermal stability and electrochemical properties, showing a stable charge-discharge capability and no hot melt shrinkage at higher temperatures, which is a breakthrough in improving the safety of the cell. This research affords a new way for the large-scale fabrication of safe lithium-ion battery separators.

Preparation and Properties of an Alginate-Based Fiber Separator for Lithium-Ion Batteries