The present invention relates to a solid polymer electrolyte including a porous substrate formed of an inorganic fiber containing an ethylenically unsaturated group, a polymer compound coupled to the inorganic fiber and including a polymer network in which an oligomer containing a (meth)acrylate group is coupled in a three-dimensional structure, and a lithium salt, and to a lithium secondary battery including the same.

Described herein is a multilayer microporous film or membrane that may exhibit improved properties, including improved dielectric break down and strength, compared to prior monolayer or tri-layer microporous membranes of the same thickness. The preferred multilayer microporous membrane comprises microlayers and one or more lamination barriers. Also disclosed is a battery separator or battery comprising one or more of the multilayer microporous films or membranes. The inventive battery and battery separator is preferably safer and more robust than batteries and battery separators using prior monolayer and tri-layer microporous membranes. Also, described herein is a method for making the multilayer microporous separators, membranes or films described herein.

Described herein is a multilayer microporous film or membrane that may exhibit improved properties, including improved dielectric break down and strength, compared to prior monolayer or tri-layer microporous membranes of the same thickness. The preferred multilayer microporous membrane comprises microlayers and one or more lamination barriers. Also disclosed is a battery separator or battery comprising one or more of the multilayer microporous films or membranes. The inventive battery and battery separator is preferably safer and more robust than batteries and battery separators using prior monolayer and tri-layer microporous membranes. Also, described herein is a method for making the multilayer microporous separators, membranes or films described herein.

Lithium ion-exchanged zeolite particles and methods of making such lithium ion-exchanged zeolite particles are provided herein. The method includes combining precursor zeolite particles with (NH.sub.4).sub.3PO.sub.4 to form a first mixture including intermediate zeolite particles including NH.sub.4.sup.+ cations. The method further includes adding a lithium salt to the first mixture to form the lithium ion-exchanged zeolite particles, or separating the intermediate zeolite particle from the first mixture and combining the intermediate zeolite particles with the lithium salt to form the lithium ion-exchanged zeolite particles.

Lithium ion-exchanged zeolite particles and methods of making such lithium ion-exchanged zeolite particles are provided herein. The method includes combining precursor zeolite particles with (NH.sub.4).sub.3PO.sub.4 to form a first mixture including intermediate zeolite particles including NH.sub.4.sup.+ cations. The method further includes adding a lithium salt to the first mixture to form the lithium ion-exchanged zeolite particles, or separating the intermediate zeolite particle from the first mixture and combining the intermediate zeolite particles with the lithium salt to form the lithium ion-exchanged zeolite particles.

High voltage, high-ionic-conductivity, fire resistant solid-state polymer electrolytes include poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) P(VDF-HFP), sulfolane plasticizer, lithium salt, and ceramic nanoparticles with the basic formula Li.sub.7La.sub.3Zr.sub.2O.sub.12 (LLZO) and derivatives thereof. During the curing process, the presence of the LLZO nanoparticles prevent the P(VDF-HFP) from developing into a crystalline phase. In the electrolyte formed, the P(VDF-HFP) is in an amorphous phase with LLZO nanoparticles, lithium salt and sulfolane distributed in the polymer matrix. The solid-state electrolyte with the amorphous polymer phase exhibit higher ionic conductivities than those having a crystalline polymer phase. The LLZO contributes to mechanical properties of the electrolyte and also function as tough ceramic fillers that inhibit lithium dendrite growth during operation of lithium-ion cells and batteries. 5V all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries incorporated the electrolytes exhibit high energy densities (250-350 Whr/kg), high power densities (high discharge rate up to 5 C) and long service lives (500-1500 cycles, <2% irreversible loss/month).

High voltage, high-ionic-conductivity, fire resistant solid-state polymer electrolytes include poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) P(VDF-HFP), sulfolane plasticizer, lithium salt, and ceramic nanoparticles with the basic formula Li.sub.7La.sub.3Zr.sub.2O.sub.12 (LLZO) and derivatives thereof. During the curing process, the presence of the LLZO nanoparticles prevent the P(VDF-HFP) from developing into a crystalline phase. In the electrolyte formed, the P(VDF-HFP) is in an amorphous phase with LLZO nanoparticles, lithium salt and sulfolane distributed in the polymer matrix. The solid-state electrolyte with the amorphous polymer phase exhibit higher ionic conductivities than those having a crystalline polymer phase. The LLZO contributes to mechanical properties of the electrolyte and also function as tough ceramic fillers that inhibit lithium dendrite growth during operation of lithium-ion cells and batteries. 5V all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries incorporated the electrolytes exhibit high energy densities (250-350 Whr/kg), high power densities (high discharge rate up to 5 C) and long service lives (500-1500 cycles, <2% irreversible loss/month).

A composite membrane with nanostructured inorganic and organic phases is applied as an ion-selective layer to prove processability, prevent dendrite shorting, and increase power output of lithium-metal anodes through better Li-ion conductivity. Nanoconfinement, as opposed to macroscale confinement, is known to dramatically alter the properties of bulk materials. Control over a ceramic's size, shape, and properties is achieved with polymer templates. This is a new composition of matter and unique approach to composite membrane design.

Provided is a layered double hydroxide (LDH) separator capable of more effectively restraining short circuiting caused by zinc dendrites. The LDH separator includes a porous substrate made of a polymer material and LDH plugging pores in the porous substrate, and has a linear transmittance of 1% or more at a wavelength of 1000 nm.

Provided is a layered double hydroxide (LDH) separator capable of more effectively restraining short circuiting caused by zinc dendrites. The LDH separator includes a porous substrate made of a polymer material and LDH plugging pores in the porous substrate, and has a linear transmittance of 1% or more at a wavelength of 1000 nm.