Symmetrical Molecular Topology Enables Ultrathin Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Stable Lithium‐Metal Batteries

Abstract Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have emerged as promising candidates for lithium‐metal batteries owing to their advantages in safety, flexibility, and processability. However, ultrathin SPEs (<10 µm) still face challenges in practical applications, including structural inhomogeneity, sluggish ion transport, and lithium dendrite penetration. This study breaks through the conventional paradigm of compositional modulation and proposes a symmetrical molecular topology design strategy based on 2,2‐Bis(4‐allyloxy‐3,5‐dibromophenyl)propane (BADBP) polymerization network. The diallyloxy symmetric structure of BADBP bridges and constructs a 3D crosslinked network, effectively repairing the pore defects in the poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) matrix, achieving an ultrathin thickness of 6 µm with high mechanical robustness and uniform ion channels. The bromophenyl groups in BADBP reduce the crystallinity of the matrix via steric hindrance effects, while the high bond energy of C─Br bonds endows the electrolyte with exceptional thermal stability. Moreover, bromine atoms electrostatically anchor TFSI⁻ anions, promoting lithium salt dissociation and forming a LiF/LiBr‐rich interphase layer. As a result, the modified Li||LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 cells demonstrate stable cycling at both room temperature and 60 °C, along with 5C fast‐charging capability. The pouch cell further passes nail penetration and high‐temperature safety tests. This work establishes a design paradigm for designing high‐performance ultrathin SPEs in lithium‐metal batteries.

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Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2025-07-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202513143
Citations
7
Primary Topic
Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
5.11

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article

Symmetrical Molecular Topology Enables Ultrathin Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Stable Lithium‐Metal Batteries

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7 citations
Advanced Functional Materials
Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies
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article

Symmetrical Molecular Topology Enables Ultrathin Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Stable Lithium‐Metal Batteries

Anjun Hu, Jianping Long, Wei Yang, Zhi Wei Seh, Yuanjian Li, Shimou Chen, Fei Li, Kai Chen
article en
7 citations

Abstract

Abstract Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have emerged as promising candidates for lithium‐metal batteries owing to their advantages in safety, flexibility, and processability. However, ultrathin SPEs (<10 µm) still face challenges in practical applications, including structural inhomogeneity, sluggish ion transport, and lithium dendrite penetration. This study breaks through the conventional paradigm of compositional modulation and proposes a symmetrical molecular topology design strategy based on 2,2‐Bis(4‐allyloxy‐3,5‐dibromophenyl)propane (BADBP) polymerization network. The diallyloxy symmetric structure of BADBP bridges and constructs a 3D crosslinked network, effectively repairing the pore defects in the poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) matrix, achieving an ultrathin thickness of 6 µm with high mechanical robustness and uniform ion channels. The bromophenyl groups in BADBP reduce the crystallinity of the matrix via steric hindrance effects, while the high bond energy of C─Br bonds endows the electrolyte with exceptional thermal stability. Moreover, bromine atoms electrostatically anchor TFSI⁻ anions, promoting lithium salt dissociation and forming a LiF/LiBr‐rich interphase layer. As a result, the modified Li||LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 cells demonstrate stable cycling at both room temperature and 60 °C, along with 5C fast‐charging capability. The pouch cell further passes nail penetration and high‐temperature safety tests. This work establishes a design paradigm for designing high‐performance ultrathin SPEs in lithium‐metal batteries.

Advanced Functional MaterialsVol. 36(3)
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (SG), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (CN), Chengdu University of Technology (CN), Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (SG), Lithium Power (United States) (US), Beijing University of Chemical Technology (CN)
Innovative Research Group Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Health and Family Planning Commission of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore
Openalex Percentile: Top 4%
Advanced Battery Materials and Technologies
5.11
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