A review of electrospun separators for lithium‐based batteries: Progress and application prospects
Xiangru Sun,
Ying Zhou,
Dejun Li,
Kai Zhao,
Liqun Wang,
Peiran Tan,
Hongyang Dong,
Yueming Wang,
Ji Liang
Affiliations
Xiangru Sun
College of Chemistry Tianjin Normal University Tianjin China
Ying Zhou
Tianjin International Joint Research Centre of Surface Technology for Energy Storage Materials, College of Physics and Materials Science Tianjin Normal University Tianjin China
Dejun Li
College of Chemistry Tianjin Normal University Tianjin China
Kai Zhao
Power Battery and System Research Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences Dalian China
Liqun Wang
Tianjin International Joint Research Centre of Surface Technology for Energy Storage Materials, College of Physics and Materials Science Tianjin Normal University Tianjin China
Peiran Tan
Tianjin International Joint Research Centre of Surface Technology for Energy Storage Materials, College of Physics and Materials Science Tianjin Normal University Tianjin China
Hongyang Dong
Tianjin International Joint Research Centre of Surface Technology for Energy Storage Materials, College of Physics and Materials Science Tianjin Normal University Tianjin China
Yueming Wang
Tianjin International Joint Research Centre of Surface Technology for Energy Storage Materials, College of Physics and Materials Science Tianjin Normal University Tianjin China
Ji Liang
Key Laboratory of Advanced Ceramics and Machining Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering Tianjin University Tianjin China
Abstract Due to the limitations of the raw materials and processes involved, polyolefin separators used in commercial lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have gradually failed to meet the increasing requirements of high‐end batteries in terms of energy density, power density, and safety. Hence, it is very important to develop next‐generation separators for advanced lithium (Li)‐based rechargeable batteries including LIBs and Li–S batteries. Nonwoven nanofiber membranes fabricated via electrospinning technology are highly attractive candidates for high‐end separators due to their simple processes, low‐cost equipment, controllable microporous structure, wide material applicability, and availability of multiple functions. In this review, the electrospinning technologies for separators are reviewed in terms of devices, process and environment, and polymer solution systems. Furthermore, strategies toward the improvement of electrospun separators in advanced LIBs and Li–S batteries are presented in terms of the compositions and the structure of nanofibers and separators. Finally, the challenges and prospects of electrospun separators in both academia and industry are proposed. We anticipate that these systematic discussions can provide information in terms of commercial applications of electrospun separators and offer new perspectives for the design of functional electrospun separators for advanced Li‐based batteries.
