Rapid Self-Healing Gel Electrolyte Based on Deep Eutectic Solvents for Solid-State Lithium Batteries

A deep eutectic solvent (DES) is a promising electrolyte choice for lithium metal batteries. However, the DES liquid electrolyte causes safety concerns and side reactions with the lithium anode. Therefore, it is necessary to solidify the DES-based electrolyte and enhance its electrochemical stability. Herein, we present a novel DES-based rapid self-healing gel electrolyte, which is able to self-smooth its surface cracks in only 30 min. The electrolyte exhibits noncombustibility (SET = 4 s g-1), high ionic conductivity (1.1 x 10-3 S cm-1 at 25 degrees C), and a wide electrochemical voltage window (4.5 V vs Li/Li+). As a result, the solid-state lithium batteries coupling the gel electrolyte with the Li anode and LiFePO4 cathode deliver a high specific capacity of 135.4 mA h g-1 with durable cyclic stability (>1200 h). This work provides valuable insights for design of fire-resistant and high-solid-state lithium batteries.

Automated summary

This study presents a novel DES-based rapid self-healing gel electrolyte for lithium metal batteries, which can achieve high specific capacity and durable cyclic stability by solidifying the electrolyte and enhancing its electrochemical stability.