Reinforced PEI/PVdF Multicore-Shell Structure Composite Membranes by Phase Prediction on a Ternary Solution
Jihye Chae,
Sejoon Park,
Dong Young Kim,
Han-Ik Joh,
Jong Man Kim,
Sungho Lee,
Seong Mu Jo
Affiliations
Jihye Chae
Center for Materials Architecturing, Korea Institute of Science and Technology,14 Gil 5 Cheongryang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
Sejoon Park
Carbon Composite Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 92 Chudong-ro, Bongdong-eup, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55324, Korea
Dong Young Kim
Center for Materials Architecturing, Korea Institute of Science and Technology,14 Gil 5 Cheongryang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
Han-Ik Joh
Department of Energy Engineering, Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea
Jong Man Kim
Department of Chemical Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul 04763, Korea
Sungho Lee
Carbon Composite Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 92 Chudong-ro, Bongdong-eup, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do 55324, Korea
Seong Mu Jo
Center for Materials Architecturing, Korea Institute of Science and Technology,14 Gil 5 Cheongryang-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
To construct a polyetherimide (PEI)-reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) composite membrane with multicore-shell structure, a ternary solution was prepared and electrospun by single-nozzle electrospinning. A theoretical prediction was made for the feasibility of complete distinction of two phases. The diameters of the membrane fibers and the PEI multi-core fibrils varied with the PEI ratio and the spinning time, respectively. The tensile strength and modulus were improved to 48 MPa and 1.5 GPa, respectively. The shrinkage of the membrane was only 6.6% at 180 °C, at which temperature the commercial PE separator melted down. The reinforcement in mechanical and thermal properties is associated with multiple PEI nanofibrils oriented along the fiber axis. Indeed, the unique morphology of self-assembled multicore-shell fibers plays an important role in their properties. All in all, PEI/PVdF membranes are appropriate for a lithium-ion battery application due to their high mechanical strength, excellent thermal stability, and controllable textural properties.
