Solid electrolytes are critical for structural batteries, combining energy storage with structural strength for applications like electric vehicles and aerospace. However, achieving high ionic conductivity remains challenging, compounded by a lack of standardized testing methodologies. This study examines the impact of experimental setups and data interpretation methods on the measured ionic conductivities of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). SPEs were prepared using a polymer-induced phase separation process, resulting in a bi-continuous microstructure for improved ionic transport. Eight experimental rigs were evaluated, including two- and four-electrode setups with materials like stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. Ionic conductivity was assessed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, with analysis methods comparing cross-sectional and surface-area-based approaches. Results showed that the four-electrode stainless steel setup yielded the highest ionic conductivity using the cross-sectional method. However, surface-area-based methods provided more consistent results across rigs. Copper setups produced lower conductivities but exhibited less data variability, indicating their potential for reproducible measurements. These findings highlight the critical influence of experimental design on conductivity measurements and emphasize the need for standardized testing protocols. Advancing reliable characterization methods will support the development of high-performance solid electrolytes for multifunctional energy storage applications.
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The Promise of 3D Printed Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Developing Sustainable Batteries: A Techno-Commercial Perspective
The year 1975 can be claimed to be the year of inception for the research and development of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) for Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIB), when the ionic conductivity of polyethylene oxide–alkaline metal ion complex was found by Peter Wright from the University of Sheffield. However, SPE research has undergone a leapfrog development, with conductivity values improving from 1 × 10–7 S·cm−1 to 1 × 10– 1 S·cm−1. The seed of development of SPEs spurs from the need for introducing design freedom to battery structures as well as the need for leak-proof electrolytes, greater operational safety, higher energy density, and other considerations. While the benefits of SPEs are evident, poor interfacial contact is a major factor limiting their application. This review presents the history of SPEs and shows how the additive manufacturing (AM) could prove beneficial for the improvement of performance and the functional implementation of SPEs. While the article articulates a technical review of additively manufactured SPEs, it also provides a lab-to-market perspective that could aid in shaping the future of green technology in energy storage. It also aims to provide an overall picture about the evolution and diversity of research advances in the development of greener SPEs through AM technology.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2214006
- PAR ID:
- 10518148
- Publisher / Repository:
- Springer
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology
- Volume:
- 11
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 2288-6206
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 321 to 352
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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