One-Step In Situ Polymerization: A Facile Design Strategy for Block Copolymer Electrolytes

To optimize the rapid transport of lithium ions (Li+) inside lithium metal batteries (LMBs), block copolymer electrolytes (BCPEs) have been fabricated in situ in LMBs via a one-step method combining reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and carboxylic acid-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP). The BCPEs balanced the Li+ coordination characteristics of the polyether- and polyester-based electrolytes to achieve a rapid Li+ migration in the SPEs. The carboxylic acid played a dual role since it both catalyzed the ROP and stabilized the interface. Furthermore, the in situ assembly of LMBs did effectively enable an efficient intercalation/de-intercalation of Li+ at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The in situ assembled Li/BCPE4/LFP exhibited high-capacity retention of 92 % after 400 cycles at 1 C. The one-step in situ fabrication of BCPEs provides a new direction for the design of polymer electrolytes.

Automated summary

To optimize the rapid transport of lithium ions (Li+) in lithium metal batteries (LMBs), block copolymer electrolytes (BCPEs) were fabricated in situ in LMBs through a one-step method combining reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and carboxylic acid-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP). The BCPEs balanced the Li+ coordination characteristics of the polyether- and polyester-based electrolytes for rapid Li+ migration. Carboxylic acid played a dual role by catalyzing the ROP and stabilizing the interface. Furthermore, the in situ assembly of LMBs effectively enabled efficient intercalation/de-intercalation of Li+ at the electrode/electrolyte interface.