Nanostructured block copolymers as solid-state electrolytes for battery applications

Nowadays, electrolytes used in rechargeable lithium batteries are mixtures of lithium salts and alkyl carbonate solvents. Unfortunately, these electrolytes are flammable, and this limits their ability to use lithium metal batteries in large devices like electric vehicles. Solid polymer electrolytes are inherently less flammable and thus better suited for large applications. Nanostructured block copolymers as solid polymer electrolytes are of considerable interest in lithium-metal batteries. The unique and highly valuable characteristic of these macromolecules is their ability to self-assemble at the nanometer scale into well-ordered equilibrium phase morphologies such as spheres, cylinders, gyroids, or lamellae. However, many questions about the interplay between morphology, ion transport and mechanical properties, and electrochemical performance remain unanswered, which limits their optimization. Our research addresses fundamental challenges in nanostructured solid polymer electrolytes, by elucidating how nanoscale phase structure influences ionic conductivity and mechanical robustness, establishing a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between self-assembled morphology, ion transport and mechanical properties to achieve high-performance solid-state batteries.