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Characterization and performance evaluation of lithium-ion battery separators

Nature Energy volume 4, pages 16–25 (2019)Cite this article

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Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with liquid electrolytes and microporous polyolefin separator membranes are ubiquitous. Though not necessarily an active component in a cell, the separator plays a key role in ion transport and influences rate performance, cell life and safety. As our understanding of separator properties and the interactions between the separator and the electrolyte deepens, it becomes evident that there are opportunities for improving separators to help meet the greater demands that new applications place on LIB technology. Here, we review the impact of the separator structure and chemistry on LIB performance, assess characterization techniques relevant for understanding structure–performance relationships in separator membranes, and provide an outlook on next-generation separator technology. Insights from this Review indicate that LIB performance can be improved by taking into account the interplay of the separator with its surroundings and indicate that, in the future, separators will be designed to play a more active role in LIB operation. Current and emerging characterization techniques will play an important role in guiding this evolution in separator technology.

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Fig. 1: Separators in LIBs.
Fig. 2: Links between properties and performance.
Fig. 3: Separator structure and degradation.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge support from an ETH research grant (0-20978-14) and the European Research Council (project 680070).

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  1. Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland

    Marie Francine Lagadec, Raphael Zahn & Vanessa Wood

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Lagadec, M.F., Zahn, R. & Wood, V. Characterization and performance evaluation of lithium-ion battery separators. Nat Energy 4, 16–25 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-018-0295-9

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