Studies on 3D Printed Nanocomposite Gel Polymer-Based Electrolyte for Li-ion Batteries

Recent developments in the field of mobile application and transport have heightened the need for efficient energy storage systems. Batteries are the most widespread energy storage systems for powering portable electronic device and electric vehicles. Between them, the most used type of battery is Lithium-ion batteries. Printing technologies offer simple processing and low-cost manufacturing, this result in the potential replacement of conventional technologies. 3D printing of secondary type battery received vast interest for advancing the next generation of 3D printed energy storage devices. The thesis project is focused on the synthesis of a printable polymer-based electrolyte for Li-ion battery, with a relative study of the printing process, electrochemical, and thermal properties of the electrolyte. If the commercial electrolytes are usually in the liquid form, the research is currently trying to achieve important goals in the field of non-liquid electrolytes, to improve the safety and the performances of the batteries. Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) matrices and a Li+-conducting ionic-liquid electrolyte make up the hybrid solid-state electrolyte developed in this study. To attain the desired rheological qualities and improve the thermal properties of the electrolyte, the ink was modified by adding Silane Boron-Nitride nanosized ceramic filler. Once verified the effectively printability of the ink, a detailed analysis of the influence of the dispensing parameters on the final printed structure was conducted. The Overpotential and cyclability tests, performed to characterize the electrochemical properties, revealed interesting performances of the printed polymer electrolyte. Finally, the electrolyte enhanced thermal properties were demonstrated with a direct comparison between the 3D printed polymer electrolyte and a common liquid electrolyte. Nevertheless, further studies, regarding the safety of the electrolyte can be conducted to better understand the thermal runaway mechanism, can be taken as source of inspiration for future works.