Polymer Batteries for Next-generation Electronics

Scientists at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, have developed a new type of polymer gel that could be used to manufacture cheaper lithium batteries, without compromising performance. Traditional lithium-ion batteries are comprised of cells – sealed containers – that contain a porous polymer film separator, plus a liquid chemical filler. The separator allows the ions to flow between the two electrodes, while also acting as a barrier to prevent short-circuiting. The new material removes the need for this separator. Instead, the gel film is sandwiched between the anode and cathode at high speed to create a highly conductive strip that is just nanometers thick. The gel film can also be made via a fully automated process that is fast, efficient, and low cost. A lamination process ensures that the electrodes are sealed together, so there is no excess flammable solvent and liquid electrolyte. According to Ian Ward FRS, a Research Professor of Physics, “The polymer gel looks like a solid film, but it actually contains about 70% liquid electrolyte. It’s made using the same principles as making a jelly: you add lots of hot water to ‘gelatine’ – in this case there is a polymer and electrolyte mix – and as it cools it sets to form a solid but flexible mass.”

http://www.leeds.ac.uk/news/article/2409/polymer_batteries_for_next-generation_electronics