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　　Researchers develop a polymer-based solid electrolyte that could be used to produce self-healing commercial batteries

　　Lithium-ion batteries are notorious for frequent internal short circuits, which can ignite the battery's liquid electrolyte, causing the battery to explode and cause a fire. Engineers at the University of Illinois have developed a polymer-based solid electrolyte that can heal itself after damage and can be recycled without the use of harsh chemicals or high temperatures.

　　The new research, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, could help manufacturers produce recyclable, self-healing commercial batteries.

　　As lithium-ion batteries undergo multiple charge and discharge cycles, they form tiny dendrites of solid lithium, called dendrites, the researchers said. These structures can shorten battery life, create hot spots and short circuits, and can sometimes become large enough to puncture the battery's internal components, causing explosive chemical reactions between the electrodes and electrolyte.

　　Chemists and engineers have been pushing to replace the liquid electrolytes in lithium-ion batteries with solid materials, such as ceramics or polymers. However, most of these materials are rigid and brittle, leading to poor contact between the electrolyte and electrode and reduced conductivity.

　　"Solid ion-conducting polymers are one option for developing non-liquid electrolytes," said Brian Jing, co-author of the paper. "However, the high-temperature conditions inside the battery will melt most polymers, again leading to dendrites and failure."

　　Past research has produced solid electrolytes by using networks of polymer chains that cross-link to form rubbery lithium conductors. This approach delays the growth of dendrites, but these materials are complex and cannot be recycled or repaired when damaged.

　　To solve this problem, the researchers developed a network polymer electrolyte in which cross-linking points can undergo exchange reactions and exchange polymer chains. Compared to linear polymers, these networks actually stiffen when heated, minimizing dendrite problems, the researchers say. In addition, they easily break down and re-solidify into a mesh structure after damage, making them recyclable and, due to their self-healing properties, can regain conductivity after damage.

　　"This new network polymer also shows remarkable properties, namely that both conductivity and stiffness increase with heating, which is not found in conventional polymer electrolytes," Jing said.

　　Christopher Evans, professor of materials science and engineering and first author of the paper, said: "Most polymers require strong acids and high temperatures to decompose. Our material is soluble in water at room temperature, making it a very energy-efficient and environmentally friendly material. craftsmanship.”

　　The team explored the new material's conductivity and discovered its potential as an effective battery electrolyte, but they acknowledged that it would take some time before it could rival batteries currently in use.

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