Preparation of a hybrid solid glass electrolyte using a nano-porous sodium boroslicate glass membrane for lithium batteries

Abstract

Hybrid glass solid electrolytes are regarded as potential materials for application as electrolytes and separators in secondary lithium and lithium-ion batteries. Glass electrolyte membranes with nano-channels were prepared by spinodal decomposition and subsequent acid leaching. The phase-separated, alkali-rich phase was eluted by leaching for 1h at room temperature and a liquid electrolyte was infiltrated into the 3 dimensionally interconnected channels of the glass membrane to improve of ion mobility. The most suitable glass electrolyte membranes could be fabricated from 7.5Na(2)O-46.25B(2)O(3)-46.25SiO(2) (mol %). The effects of leaching temperature, leaching time and acid type on the preparation of the membranes were investigated. The microstructure of the surface and cross-section of 7.5Na(2)O-46.25B(2)O(3)-46.25SiO(2) glass electrolytes were examined with a scanning electron microscope. The channels interconnected throughout the membrane were confirmed to be formed and the channel size was in the range of 90-200 nm. For electrochemical investigates of the glass electrolyte, full cells were fabricated using a coin type cell by employing LiCoO2 as a cathode and Mesocarbon Microbeads (MCMB) as an anode.