Hybrid separators and the manufacture thereof

Abstract

Provided herein are a variety of porous separator materials, particularly those prepared by gas-assisted electrospray and electrospinning processes.

Claims

1. A battery separator comprising a porous membrane comprising a fiber mat; the fiber mat comprising a fiber comprising a core and a surface; the fiber comprising a polymer and a ceramic, the ceramic comprising one or more continuous matrix of ceramic; the one or more continuous matrix of ceramic comprising a continuous ceramic shell matrix, the continuous ceramic shell matrix coating at least 50% of the surface of the fiber; the core comprising the polymer and a continuous ceramic core matrix; and the battery separator having an average thickness of about 1 micron to about 25 micron.

2. The battery separator of claim 1, wherein the fiber mat has a porosity of about 40% to about 80%.

3. The battery separator of claim 1, wherein the battery separator has a thickness of about 5 micron to about 20 micron.

4. The battery separator of claim 1, wherein the battery separator has a pore size distribution d98 of about 1 micron or less.

5. The battery separator of claim 4, wherein the battery separator has a pore size distribution d99 of about 1 micron or less.

6. The battery separator of claim 1, wherein the battery separator has a median (d50) pore size of less than 0.2 micron.

7. The battery separator of claim 1, wherein the average thickness of the ceramic shell is less than 30% the thickness of the fiber core.

8. The battery separator of claim 1, wherein the fiber has an average thickness of less than 5 micron.

9. The battery separator of claim 8, wherein the fiber has an average thickness of less than 2 micron.

10. The battery separator of claim 1, wherein the polymer is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a polyimide (PI), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or a combination thereof.

11. The battery separator of claim 1, wherein the continuous ceramic core matrix is co-continuous with the polymer.

12. The battery separator of claim 1, wherein the battery separator comprises about 70 wt. % to about 90 wt. % polymer, and about 10 wt. % to about 30 wt. % ceramic.

13. The battery separator of claim 1, wherein the ceramic comprised a silicon-based ceramic.

14. The battery separator of claim 1, wherein the ceramic comprises a polymer derived ceramic (PDC).

15. The battery separator of claim 14, wherein the polymer derived ceramic is derived from a poly(organosilazane), a poly(organosilylcarbodiimide), a polysiloxane, a poly(organosilsesquioxane), or a poly(organosiloxane).

16. A battery separator comprising a non-fibrous thin film; the film comprising a polymer and a ceramic, the ceramic comprising one or more continuous matrix of ceramic; the film comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a core, the core being configured between the first surface and the second surface; the one or more continuous matrix of ceramic comprising a continuous ceramic coating matrix, the continuous ceramic coating matrix coating at least 50% of the surface of the film, excluding pores; the core comprising the polymer and a ceramic core material; and the film having a porosity of about 10% to about 70% and the battery separator having an average thickness of about 1 micron to about 20 micron.

17. The battery separator of claim 16, wherein the ceramic core material forms a continuous ceramic core matrix.

18. The battery separator of claim 16, wherein the polymer is polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a polyimide (PI), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or a combination thereof.

19. The battery separator of claim 16, wherein the continuous ceramic core matrix is co-continuous with the polymer.

20. The battery separator of claim 16, wherein the ceramic is polymer derived ceramic derived from a poly(organosilazane), a poly(organosilylcarbodiimide), a polysiloxane, a poly(organosilsesquioxane), or a poly(organosiloxane).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates high speed imaging of electrospray of a fluid stock using non-gas assisted electrospray techniques (left panel) and an exemplary gas controlled electrospray technique provided herein (right panel).

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates depositions manufactured by an exemplary conventional electrospray techniques (left panels) and an exemplary gas controlled electrospray process provided herein (right panels).

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system provided herein comprising a bank of electrospray nozzles positioned opposite a substrate.

(5) FIG. 4 shows an exemplary illustration of a gas controlled electrospray system provided herein and an exemplary illustration of a non-gas controlled electrospray system.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary silazane structure having a plurality of cyclic and chain structures.

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary silsesquioxane cage structure.

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary silsesquioxane opened cage structure.

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary electrospray nozzle apparatuses provided herein.

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates exemplary monomeric units of a polysilazanes provided herein.

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates wettability of an exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane material provided herein relative to a commercial polyolefinic separator.

(12) FIG. 11 illustrates permeability of an exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane material provided herein relative to a commercial polyolefinic separator.

(13) FIG. 12 illustrates thermal stability of an exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane material provided herein relative to a commercial polyolefinic separator.

(14) FIG. 13 illustrates capacities and rate capabilities of various membranes provided herein relative to a commercial polyolefinic separator.

(15) FIG. 14 illustrates capacities and rate capabilities of various additional membranes/separators provided herein relative to a commercial polyolefinic separator.

(16) FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic of various exemplary internal ceramic morphologies in the polymer matrix in various membrane materials provided herein.

(17) FIG. 16 illustrates capacity retention of various membranes/separators provided herein relative to a commercial polyolefinic separator.

(18) FIG. 17 illustrates TEM images of exemplary microtomed polymer-ceramic hybrid materials provided herein.

(19) FIG. 18 illustrates capacities rate capabilities of various additional membranes/separators provided herein relative to a commercial polyolefinic separator.

(20) FIG. 19 illustrates the pore size distribution of an exemplary mesoporous polymer (PAN)/ceramic film separator.

(21) FIG. 20 illustrates full cell performance of an exemplary polymer/ceramic film separator and a of an exemplary polymer/ceramic nanofiber mat separator.

(22) FIG. 21 illustrates an SEM image of an exemplary polymer/ceramic composite film membrane provided herein.

(23) FIG. 22 illustrates the ionic conductivity of various exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membranes described herein.

(24) FIG. 23 illustrates the capacity retention of various exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membranes described herein.

(25) FIG. 24 illustrates the rate capability of various exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membranes described herein.

(26) FIG. 25 illustrates the mechanical properties of various exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membranes described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(27) Provided in certain embodiments herein are membranes, films (e.g., thin films), fiber mats, separators, and precursors thereof. Also provided herein are processes and systems for manufacturing the same. In some embodiments, processes and systems provided herein are suitable for and configured to manufacture uniform membranes and separators, such as having uniform thickness.

(28) Provided in certain embodiments herein are membranes and separators, as well as precursors thereof. In general, such materials are thin membrane materials, such as having a thickness of less than 50 micron (e.g., 5-25 micron). In certain embodiments, the membranes and separators herein comprise a porous membrane material. In certain embodiments, the porous membrane generally has sub-micron sized pores, such as having an average or median (d50) pore size of less than 100 nm (e.g., about 30 nm to about 60 nm). In addition, in some embodiments, maximum pore sizes provided herein (e.g., d95, d98, d99, or the like) are generally sub-micron (e.g., less than 1 micron, or smaller, such as less than 0.6 micron, less than 0.5 micron, or the like). In various embodiments, a membrane or separator herein comprises a polymer-ceramic hybrid or composite material, such as a film or fiber (e.g., a membrane herein comprising a mat of fibers) comprising such as polymer-ceramic material. In various embodiments, the polymer-ceramic material comprises a polymer matrix material that is at least partially coated or encapsulated with a ceramic. In further or additional embodiments, the polymer matrix comprises ceramic domains embedded therewithin.

(29) In some embodiments, membranes, separators and separator materials provided herein have good or improved mechanical performance characteristics (e.g., decreases failure rate during compression and/or overheating), rate capabilities (e.g., increases rate of charging), safety profiles (e.g., good thermal stability, reduced fail rate, etc.), wettability (e.g., which further reduces the amount of non-active material required in a battery), and other features, such as relative to commercial materials. In certain instances, separators and separator materials provided herein achieve such characteristics while also being thinner than typical commercial separators (e.g., <25 micron, or thinner). For example, FIG. 10 illustrates the dramatically improved wettability of an exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane material provided herein relative to a polypropylene (PP) separator by CELGARD®. As is demonstrated, polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane provided herein have been observed to have exceptional electrolyte wicking capabilities (corresponding to wettability) relative to more conventional polyolefinic separator membranes. In addition, FIG. 11 illustrates the enhanced fluid permeability of an exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane material provided herein relative to a polyolefinic separator by CELGARD®. As is demonstrated, polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane provided herein have been observed to have exceptional permeability capabilities relative to more conventional polyolefinic separator membranes. Likewise, FIG. 12 illustrates the enhanced thermal stability of an exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane material provided herein relative to a polyolefinic separator by CELGARD®. As is demonstrated, polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane provided herein have been observed to have exceptional thermal stability up to 200° C. and beyond, whereas more conventional polyolefinic separator membranes rapidly fail at temperatures below even 100° C.

(30) FIG. 13 illustrates capacities and rate capabilities of various exemplary membranes provided herein relative to a commercial polyolefinic separator. As demonstrated, each of the membranes provided herein provides improved capacities and and rate capabilities over more conventional polyolefinic separator membranes. In addition, while doubling the porosity of the polymer-only (PAN) (fibrous mat) membrane relative to the CELGARD® (polyolefin) membrane (from a porosity of about 40% for the CELGARD® to about 80% for the PAN), the capacity and rate capabilities only slightly improved. Significant improvements were observed for the polymer-ceramic hybrid membranes (having similar porosity as the PAN membranes), however, with the most marked benefits being observed for those with higher concentrations of ceramic content in the polymer-ceramic hybrid materials (with a ceramic content of about 20% providing the best performance of the materials exemplified). As is seen, polymer-PDC membranes demonstrate improved rate capabilities compared to PAN membranes and CELGARD® membranes. In some instances, good ceramic surface coverage and/or inclusion of ceramic domains within a polymer matrix provide advantageous ionic conductivity and wetting enhancements in separator membranes, such as illustrated herein. For example, ionic conductivity is about 0.22 mS/cm for the CELGARD® material, about 0.29 mS/cm for the PAN membrane, about 0.51 mS/cm for the PAN-PDC (10 wt. %) membrane, about 0.80 mS/cm for the PAN-PDC (20 wt. %) membrane, and about 1.14 mS/cm for the PAN-PDC (30 wt. %) membrane.

(31) In certain embodiments, a membrane or separator provided herein has an ionic conductivity of about 0.3 mS/cm or more. In specific embodiments, a membrane or separator provided herein has an ionic conductivity of about 0.5 mS/cm or more. In more specific embodiments, a membrane or separator provided herein has an ionic conductivity of about 0.8 mS/cm or more (e.g., about 0.8 mS/cm to about 1.5 mS/cm).

(32) FIG. 14 illustrates additional capacity and rate data for various exemplary separator membranes provided herein. Polymer-ceramic hybrid separator membranes are prepared with a polymer (PAN) either one type of ceramic precursor (a polysilazane) or two types of ceramic precursor (an alkylated silicic acid (TEOS) and a polysilazane). As is demonstrated, improved performance parameters are observed for the combination of the silicic acid and polysilazane versus just the polysilazane alone, or with the ceramic-free PAN membrane or ceramic-free polyolefinic CELGARD® separators. FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic of the difference in internal ceramic morphologies observed for the one and two ceramic precursor systems. In some embodiments herein, a membrane comprises a polymer matrix material with one and/or two-dimensional ceramic domains and/or interconnected and/or continuous ceramic domain(s) embedded therein. As illustrated in FIG. 15 (right), in some instances, materials provided herein comprise a polymer matrix (network) with a continuous ceramic embed therein. FIG. 17 illustrates various continuous ceramic embeds, as well as various continuous ceramic shells (e.g., for the OPSZ and MSQ). In some instances, such membranes provide superior mechanic and electrochemical properties. In some instances, the interconnected domains also affect the polymer's ability to crystallize, leading to an increase in amorphous regions, which in turn leads, in some instances, to increased electrolyte uptake, superior ionic conductivity, and/or superior rate capability.

(33) FIG. 18 illustrates capacities and rate capabilities of exemplary membrane separators provided herein relative to a commercial polyolefinic separator by CELGARD®. As can be seen, the porous film separators provided herein provide very good capacities (relative to the CELGARD®) separator, and excellent rate capabilities. In particular, after initiation of the separators for a few cycles at lower charge rates, at a charge rate of 1 C the polymer and polymer-ceramic hybrid porous film membrane separators provided herein (e.g., prepared using a gas-assisted electrospray process herein) have excellent capacities (relative to a conventional polyolefin separator under identical conditions). Similarly high capacities are also observed at rates of 2 C (complete charge in 30 min), 3 C (complete charge in 20 min), and 4 C (complete charge in 15 min). Meanwhile, conventional polyolefinic separators are observed to initially have a rapid decrease in capacity and ultimately fail after only a few cycles. In the comparison, the two polymer-hybrid ceramic materials have the best performance after every cycle beginning with the 1 C cycling, with the polymer materials provided herein just below the hybrid materials, and the conventional polyolefinic separators performing much more poorly.

(34) FIG. 16 illustrates the capacity performance of a number of polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane materials, with the polysilazane derived ceramic hybrid material performing the best, the silsesquioxane derived ceramic hybrid material performing nearly as well, and the siloxane derived ceramic hybrid material and polysilsesquioxane derived ceramic hybrid material performing slightly less well than the other two exemplary materials. As can be seen in FIG. 17, the best performing materials had a ceramic coating/shell on the surface of the polymer matrix (with additional ceramic embedded within), whereas the poorer performing materials either only had a partial ceramic coating/shell or no ceramic/shell.

(35) In certain embodiments, also provided herein are processes for the facile manufacture of such complex polymer-ceramic hybrid/composite materials by gas-assisted spinning/spraying techniques described herein. In certain instances, processes provided herein comprise spinning/spraying a fluid stock comprising a fluid medium, a polymer, an optional ceramic precursor, and an optional sacrificial polymer to readily form (e.g., via “self-assembly”) a (e.g., porous) membrane, such as described herein, or a precursor thereof (e.g., such as only requiring curing and/or removal of sacrificial polymer and/or liquid medium to provide a porous membrane/separator provided herein).

(36) In certain embodiments, provided herein is a process for manufacturing a membrane or separator herein, the process comprising generating a jet, plume or aerosol from a fluid stock. Generally, the fluid stock comprises a liquid and a polymer, and optional further inclusion materials. In specific embodiments, the jet, plume or aerosol is generated using a suitable technique, such as a spinning (e.g., electrospinning) or spray (e.g., electrospray) technique. In some embodiments, the process further comprises generating the jet, plume or aerosol in the presence of a high velocity gas. In specific instances, the high velocity gas facilitates the fine dispersion of the plume or aerosol particulates, which, in turn, facilitates the controlled and uniform deposition of the liquid and/or inclusion parts on a substrate surface. In some instances, the direction of the flow of the gas and the jet/plume/aerosol are in the same general direction (e.g., having a directional mean within 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, or the like of each other).

(37) In some embodiments, provided herein are membranes, separators, and precursors thereof, as well as systems and processes for manufacturing the same. In some embodiments, membranes, separators and precursors thereof have a thickness of about 1 micron to about 50 micron (e.g., about 5 micron to about 25 micron). In some embodiments, thicker or thinner materials are also contemplated, as desired. In certain embodiments, the system is configured to or the process comprises injecting a fluid stock into a gas stream. In specific embodiments, the fluid stock is injected into the gas stream in a substantially parallel direction (e.g., within about 10 degrees, about 5 degrees, about 2 degrees, or the like of parallel). In specific embodiments, the process comprising producing an electrostatically charged jet or plume. In more specific embodiments, the plume comprises a plurality of nanoscale particles and/or droplets (e.g., <10 micron in average dimension or diameter). In still more specific embodiments, the particles or droplets (e.g., nanoscale droplets (e.g., the droplets comprising solutions, suspensions, solution-suspensions, and/or solid particles)) comprise a polymer and a liquid medium (and, e.g., a ceramic precursor, a sacrificial polymer, and/or the like).

(38) In some embodiments, the plume is generated by: providing a fluid stock to a first inlet of a first conduit of an electrospray nozzle. In specific embodiments, the first conduit being enclosed along the length of the conduit by a wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the first conduit having a first outlet. In some embodiments, the fluid stock comprises a polymer and an optional ceramic precursor. In certain embodiments, the process comprises providing a (e.g., direct current) voltage to the nozzle (e.g., wall of the first conduit). In some instances, the voltage provides an electric field (e.g., at the first outlet) (e.g., which field at least partially drives the electrospraying process). In further or additional embodiments, the process further comprises providing a pressurized gas (e.g., provided from a gas supply, such as a pump, a pressurized reservoir, or the like) (e.g., a system being configured to provide a pressurized gas) to a second inlet of a second conduit of the nozzle, e.g., thereby providing high velocity gas at a second outlet of the second conduit (e.g., the high velocity gas having a velocity of about 0.1 m/s or more, about 0.5 m/s or more, about 1 m/s or more, about 5 m/s or more, about 50 m/s or more, or the like). In some embodiments, the second conduit is enclosed along the length of the conduit by a second wall having an interior surface, the second conduit having a second inlet and a second outlet. Generally, the second conduit has a second diameter, and the first conduit is positioned inside the second conduit. In specific embodiments, the exterior surface of the first wall and the interior surface of the second wall are separated by a conduit gap (e.g., the ratio of the conduit overlap length to the first diameter being about 1 to 10). In specific embodiments, the droplets (e.g., partially or wholly dried in the plume) are collected on a substrate (e.g., as a dry or semi-wet deposition (e.g., a coherent film) on the substrate). In some embodiments, the substrate is a grounded collector. In other embodiments, the substrate is configured between a grounded collector and the nozzle.

(39) In some instances, ejecting of a fluid stock (e.g., charged fluid stock) from a nozzle (e.g., electrospray nozzle) produces a fluid jet, which may be disrupted to form a plume comprising a plurality of droplets (or plume particulates) (e.g., if the polymer concentration is low enough). In certain instances, the jet or droplets are in varying states of dryness (e.g., wherein more dry materials comprise less fluid medium relative to solid inclusion materials) as they move toward a collector, with the materials (jet/droplets) near the collector being dryer (i.e., comprising less fluid medium) (or even completely dry) than those materials (jet/droplets) near the nozzle. In some instances, the plume comprises (e.g., especially in closest proximity to the collector substrate) droplets wherein all fluid medium has been evaporated. In preferred embodiments, plume droplets (particularly in proximity to the collector substrate surface) are disrupted and small enough to reduce or minimize the number and/or amount of inclusion component (e.g., polymer, ceramic precursor, liquid medium, sacrificial polymer, and/or the like) included within each droplet. In certain instances, reducing and/or minimizing the number and/or amount of inclusion in each droplets facilitates good distribution of inclusion throughout the plume, particularly in proximity to the collector. In some instances, good distribution of inclusions within the plume facilitates good distribution of inclusions as collected on the collector substrate. In particular, membranes and coatings suffer from poor performance characteristics due to lack of uniformity of the membrane (e.g., due to variations in dispersion and/or concentration of inclusions, variations in membrane thickness, etc.).

(40) In some instances, typical spray techniques are insufficient to adequately disrupt and break apart the droplets of the plume and are insufficient to provide good distribution of the inclusion materials in the plume and on the collector substrate so as to provide dispersions with good uniformity, particularly in systems comprising multiple inclusion types. Instead, typical spray techniques have been observed to produce agglomerations, including co-agglomerations with poor dispersion uniformity and control, without which resultant materials exhibit poor or insufficient performance characteristics.

(41) In certain instances, processes herein comprise generating a jet, plume or aerosol (e.g., electrospraying a fluid stock) with a high velocity gas (e.g., ≥0.1 m/s, ≥0.5 m/s, ≥1 m/s, ≥5 m/s, ≥10 m/s, ≥20 m/s, ≥25 m/s, ≥50 m/s). In some instances, an (e.g., electrostatically charged) fluid stock is injected into a stream of high velocity gas. In certain instances, the high velocity gas facilitates further disruption (e.g., breaking apart) of the droplets formed during spray (e.g., electrospray) of the fluid stock. In some instances, the good dispersion of the droplets and the low concentration of inclusions per droplets facilitates the formation of a well-dispersed and well-controlled systems, such as described herein.

(42) In certain embodiments, processes and systems described herein are suitable for high throughput of highly viscous fluid stocks. In certain instances, such processes facilitate the spray of fluid stocks having a much higher polymer content than would typically be possible (i.e., higher concentration to produce fibers than normally observed using conventional techniques). In addition, in some embodiments, high concentrations of inclusion components are preferred in order to facilitate good coverage of a surface (of a collector or substrate), good uniformity of films (e.g., thickness, dispersion, etc.), and/or the like. In certain embodiments, the fluid stock provided herein comprises at least 0.1 wt. %, at least 0.5 wt. %, or at least 1 wt. % inclusion component (e.g., polymer and precursor, alone or in combination), e.g., at least 2 wt. % inclusion component, at least 2.5 wt. % inclusion component, at least 3 wt. % inclusion component, at least 5 wt. % inclusion component, or the like (e.g., up to 50 wt. %, up to 30 wt. %, up to 20 wt. %, up to 15 wt. %, up to 10 wt. %, or the like). In certain embodiments, the fluid stock comprises about 2 wt. % to about 15 wt. % (e.g., about 10 wt. % to about 15 wt. %) inclusion component. In some instances, higher concentrations are utilized to form fibers, whereas lower concentrations are utilized to form films. In certain instances, at low concentrations, droplets are formed when stock is ejected from the nozzles (e.g., thereby forming films), whereas continuous jets (e.g., up to 5 wt. %, up to 10 wt. %, up to 15 wt. % or the like, depending on the system) and fibers are formed at higher concentrations (e.g., above 5 wt. %, above 10 wt. %, above 15 wt. %, or the like, depending on the system).

(43) Any suitable substrate is optionally utilized. In some instances, the substrate is a grounded substrate or positioned between a plume generating nozzle and a grounded surface. In certain embodiments, the substrate has a surface that is positioned in opposing relation to a plume generating nozzle outlet (e.g., there is “line of sight” between the nozzle outlet and the substrate surface). In specific embodiments, the opposing substrate is directly opposing the nozzle (e.g., configured orthogonal to nozzle conduit configuration, such as illustrated in FIG. 3). In other specific embodiments, the opposing substrate is angled or offset from directly opposing the nozzle. In some embodiments, the substrate is affixed to or is a part of a conveyor system (e.g., to facilitate continuous manufacturing of coatings, films, or the like). In specific embodiments, the substrate is attached to a conveyor belt or is a part of a conveyor belt.

(44) In certain embodiments, a process described herein is a gas assisted or gas controlled process. In some embodiments, a fluid stock provided herein is sprayed or spun with a gas stream. In specific embodiments, a fluid stock described herein is injected into a gas stream during electrospraying or electrospinning. In some embodiments, a process of producing of an electrostatically charged jet or plume from a fluid stock further comprises providing a pressurized gas to a second inlet of a second conduit of a nozzle described herein. In specific embodiments, the second conduit has a second inlet and a second outlet, and at least a portion of the first conduit being positioned inside the second conduit (i.e., at least a portion of the second conduit being positioned in surrounding relation to the first conduit). In certain embodiments, the gap between the outer wall of the inner conduit and the inner wall of the outer conduit is small enough to facilitate a high velocity gas at the nozzle, such as to facilitate sufficient disruption of the charged fluid (jet) ejected from the nozzle (e.g., such as to provide plume or aerosol dispersions described herein). In some embodiments, the conduit gap is about 0.01 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 0.05 mm to about 20 mm, about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm, or the like. In certain embodiments, the gas stream (e.g., at the second outlet) has a high velocity, such as a velocity of at least 0.5 m/s, e.g., at least 1 m/s, at least 5 m/s, at least 10 m/s, at least 20 m/s, or more.

(45) In further or alternative embodiments, membranes provided herein have uniform thickness (e.g., the systems and/or processes provided herein provide even distribution of droplets over the target surface area, and/or deliver small droplets to the surface, minimizing “high spots” caused by large droplets/particle depositions). In specific embodiments, the membrane has a thickness variation (e.g., in a selected area, such as when an entire surface is not coated, such as an area that is not near the edge of the coating, e.g., an area that is more than 10% or 20% of the length, width, or diameter away from the edge of the coating) of less than about 100% of the average membrane thickness, e.g., about 50% or less of the average membrane thickness, about 20% or less of the average thickness, about 10% or less of the average thickness, about 5% or less of the average thickness, or the like. In some embodiments, the standard deviation of the film thickness is less than 200% the average thickness, less than 100% the average thickness, less than 50% the average thickness, less than 20% the average thickness, or the like.

(46) In specific embodiments, the fluid stock comprises a polymer (e.g., in a concentration low enough such that a fiber is not formed upon manufacturing using a process and/or system described herein). In specific embodiments, the concentration of the polymer in the fluid stock is about 5 wt. % or less (e.g., about 0.5 wt. % to about 5 wt. %). In some instances, higher concentrations are utilized for spin techniques described herein, such as about 5 wt. % to about 20 wt. %.

(47) In certain embodiments, a ceramic precursor included in a process or fluid stock provided herein is or comprises polysilazane, silsesquioxane (e.g., polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), poly(organosilsesquioxane), or polysilsesquioxane (PSSQ)), and/or combinations thereof.

(48) In some embodiments, the fluid stock comprises a liquid medium, e.g., the liquid medium serving to dissolve and/or suspend the additives. Any suitable liquid medium is optionally used, but in specific embodiments, the liquid medium is or comprises, by way of non-limiting example, water, an alcohol, dimethylformamide (DMF), tetrahydrofuran (THF), Dimethylacetamide (DMAc), dicloromethane (DCM), chloroform, or N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP). In some embodiments, the liquid medium is utilized to dissolve and/or suspend additives described herein. In some instances, e.g., to facilitate uniformity of the fluid stock (e.g., solutes and/or suspended agents therein), the fluid stock is agitated (e.g., by stirring, sonicating, and/or any other suitable mechanism) prior to being provided to the first inlet. In certain embodiments, if a liquid polymer (e.g., melt) or liquid precursor is utilized, the amount of liquid medium utilized may be reduced or eliminated.

(49) In certain embodiments, any suitable nozzle system configuration is acceptable. In specific embodiments, the first diameter is about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm (e.g., about 0.15 mm to about 8 mm, or about 0.15 mm to about 5 mm). In further or alternative embodiments, the second diameter is any suitable diameter that is larger than the first diameter. In specific embodiments, the second diameter is about 0.2 mm to about 15 mm (e.g., about 2 mm to about 8 mm). In certain embodiments, the conduit gap (the average distance between the exterior surface of the inner conduit wall and the interior surface of the outer conduit wall) is any suitable distance, such as a distance configured to allow suitable airflow quantity and/or velocity to the nozzle tip and beyond, e.g., to break up and/or otherwise facilitate reducing the size of the droplets produced by the spraying process and/or system, facilitate throughput, facilitate jet control, or the like. In specific embodiments, the conduit gap is about 0.1 mm or more (e.g., about 0.5 mm or more). In certain embodiments, the spraying process and/or system provided herein comprises applying and/or is configured to provide a voltage to the nozzle, the voltage being about 8 kV to about 30 kV (e.g., about 10 kV to about 25 kV). In certain embodiments, such as wherein multiple nozzles are utilized, higher voltages are contemplated. In certain embodiments, a power supply is configured to provide a voltage to the nozzle. In some instances, higher voltage are optionally utilized when a voltage is applied to nozzle system comprising a number of nozzles. In some embodiments, if appropriate, a voltage is optionally not applied to a system and/or process provided herein.

(50) In certain embodiments, processes and/or systems provided herein allow high flow rates (e.g., relative to other spray systems). In specific embodiments, the flow rate of the fluid stock (e.g., provided to the first inlet of the nozzle) is about 0.05 or more (e.g., about 0.05 mL to about 5 mL/min, about 0.1 mL or more, about 0.5 mL or more, about 1 mL or more, or the like).

(51) In certain embodiments, processes and/or systems provided herein allow the processing of highly viscous fluids (e.g., relative to other spray systems). In some embodiments, the fluid stock has any suitable viscosity. In addition, the process and systems described herein allow for the manufacture of membranes and separators using highly viscous (and, e.g., highly loaded) fluid stocks, if desired. For example, in some embodiments, fluid stocks utilized in systems and processes herein have a viscosity of about 0.5 centipoise (cP) or more, e.g., about 5 cP or more, or about 1 cP to about 10 Poise. In more specific embodiments, the viscosity is about 10 cP to about 10 Poise. In some instances, gas-driven systems and processes described herein allow for the production of a jet, aerosol or plume that has enough inclusion component to facilitate good, high through-put formation of membranes (e.g., mats and/or films) that would not be possible using conventional techniques. In certain embodiments, the viscosity of the fluid stock is at least 200 centipoise (cP), such as at least 500 cP, at least 1000 cP, at least 2000 cP, at least 2,500 cP, at least 3,000 cP, at least 4,000 cP, or the like (e.g., up to 20,000 cP, up to about 10,000 cP, or the like). In certain embodiments, the viscosity of the fluid stock is about 2,000 cP to about 10,000 cP.

(52) In some embodiments, provided herein is a process for producing a (e.g., porous) membrane (e.g., film or fiber mat) or separator, the process comprising spraying (e.g., electrospraying) or spinning (e.g., electrospinning) a fluid stock with a gas (e.g., a controlled gas flow). In certain embodiments, the fluid and the gas are ejected from an spray (e.g., electrospray) or spin (e.g., electrospin) nozzle in a similar direction. In some instances, the direction of ejection of the fluid stock and the gas from the nozzle is within about 30 degrees of one another, or, more preferably within about 15 degrees of one another (e.g., within about 10 degrees or within about 5 degrees of one another). In certain embodiments, the fluid stock and the gas are configured to be ejected from the nozzle in a coaxial configuration. In some instances, configurations and processes described herein allow for an enhanced driving force (e.g., of electrospray or electrospin), combining the driving forces of electric field gradient with high speed gas. In certain instances, configurations and processes described herein provided for several improvements in electrospray/electrospin processing, including in the manufacture of membranes and separators, such as described herein. In addition, in some instances, such configurations allow for process throughput up to tens or hundreds of times greater than simple electrospray and/or electrospin manufacturing and allow for the processing of high viscosity and/or highly loaded fluids. Moreover, in some instances, such techniques and systems allow for the manufacture of highly uniform membranes, separators, and the like. By contrast, other or conventional electrospray is not generally of commercial use in such applications because of, e.g., non-uniform deposition of large drops and dispersion of inclusions in droplets, especially for complex systems.

(53) In some instances, spraying/spinning (e.g., using a process and/or system provided herein) of the fluid stock results in the formation of a jet, e.g., which subsequently deforms into a plume comprising a plurality of droplets (collectively referred to herein so as to encompass, e.g., droplet solutions, droplet suspensions, and/or solid particles in an plume or aerosol) in the case of spraying. In certain instances, spray (e.g., electrospray) (e.g., using a process and/or system provided herein) of a fluid stock, such as provided herein results in the formation of a plume comprising a plurality of droplets (collectively referred to herein so as to encompass, e.g., droplet solutions, droplet suspensions, and/or solid particles in an electrospray plume). In some instances, the processes described herein results in the formation of small droplets (e.g., micro- or nano-scale droplets) having highly uniform size distributions (e.g., especially relative to standard electrospray techniques. FIG. 1 illustrates high speed imaging of electrospray of a fluid stock using conventional electrospray techniques 101 and an exemplary gas controlled electrospray technique provided herein 100. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the “plume” of the conventional electrospray process near the nozzle 104 comprises much larger droplets 102 having a less uniform size distribution than the droplets 103 of the plume resulting near the nozzle 105 of the gas controlled electrospray processes described herein. In some instances, smaller and more uniform droplet size provides improved uniformity of depositions, such as illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates depositions manufactured by an exemplary conventional electrospray techniques (left panels) and an exemplary gas controlled electrospray process provided herein (right panels). As illustrated in FIG. 2, depositions formed by conventional electrospray techniques provide depositions that are not uniform and comprise large particles, relative to the depositions formed by exemplary gas controlled electrospray systems and processes described herein. FIG. 4 shows an exemplary illustration of a gas controlled electrospray system provided herein 400 and an exemplary illustration of a non-gas controlled electrospray system 420. In some instances, a non gas-controlled system results, upon spraying from a nozzle 421, in the formation of large droplets 422, which droplets are large and not well dispersed in the “plume” and irregular depositions 423 on the collector 424. This illustration is further demonstrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 by the high speed imaging of spraying 101 (FIG. 1), and as collected (FIG. 2, left panels). By contrast, in some embodiments, gas-controlled systems (and processes) provided herein provide electrospray of a fluid stock with a gas (illustrated by the downward arrows) 401 (e.g., having a controlled flow, such as circumferentially configured with the dispensing of the fluid stock) from a nozzle 402 (e.g., coaxially arranged, as illustrated in FIG. 4). In some embodiments, with the flow of air, the droplets 403 proximal to the nozzle are smaller relative to non-gas controlled techniques (e.g., in some instances due to the controlled air flow at the nozzle end 404), and even smaller still as the droplets 405 move away from the nozzle toward the collector (droplets distal to the nozzle 406 and/or proximal to a collector 407). In some embodiments, such uniformity (e.g., uniformity of size, horizontal distribution, etc.) of dispersion of small droplets provides for a deposition 408 having a greatly improved uniformity of thickness, dispersion of inclusions, micron or sub-micron scaled phase separation (e.g., between polymer, ceramic or ceramic precursor, sacrificial polymer, and/or liquid medium phases), micron or sub-micron (e.g., mesoscale) pore formation, and/or the like. This illustration is further demonstrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 by the high speed imaging of spraying 101 (FIG. 1), and as collected (FIG. 2, right panels).

(54) In certain instances, uniformity in the plume/aerosol allows for much greater control of deposition formation, such as thickness, thickness uniformity, compositional uniformity (e.g., in composites), and the like. In certain embodiments, membranes (e.g., films) or separators provided herein have an average thickness (d.sub.f) that is about 50 micron or less, such as about 35 micron or less, about 25 micron or less, or about 15 micron or less. In some embodiments, the thickness of the membrane (e.g., film) is controlled by limiting or lengthening the residence time of a collector surface opposite an active nozzle system (e.g., using batch or continuous (e.g., using a conveyor) system). In certain embodiments, the membranes (e.g., films) or separators provided herein have good thickness uniformity, such as wherein the thinnest portion of the film is >d.sub.f/10, >d.sub.f/5, >d.sub.f/4, >d.sub.f/3, >d.sub.f/2, or the like. In further or alternative embodiments, the thickest portion of the membranes (e.g., films) or separators is <10×d.sub.f, <5×d.sub.f, <3×d.sub.f, <2×d.sub.f, <1.5×d.sub.f, <1.2×d.sub.f, or the like. In preferred embodiments, the minimum thickness of the membranes (e.g., films) or separators is greater than 0.9 d.sub.f, (more preferably greater than 0.95 d.sub.f) and the maximum thickness of the membranes (e.g., films) or separators is less than 1.1 d.sub.f, (more preferably, less than 1.05 d.sub.f). In some embodiments, the membranes or separators provided herein have an average thickness, wherein the thickness variation is less than 50% of the average thickness, e.g., less than 30% of the average thickness, or less than 20% of the average thickness.

(55) In certain embodiments, the plurality of particles and/or droplets of an aerosol or plume provided herein are micron or sub-micron (e.g., nano or meso) scaled particles and/or droplets. In more specific embodiments, the plurality of particles and/or droplets have an average diameter of about 100 microns or less, about 50 microns or less, less than 30 micron, about 20 microns or less, less than 15 micron, or about 10 microns or less. In still more specific embodiments, the plurality of particles and/or droplets have an average diameter of about 5 microns or less, e.g., about 1 micron or less. In certain embodiments, the size of the particles and/or droplets is highly uniform (e.g., at a given distance from the nozzle), with the standard deviation of the particle and/or droplet size (e.g., at a given distance from the nozzle) being about 50% of the average size of the particles and/or droplets, or less (e.g., about 40% or less, about 30% or less, about 20% or less, about 10% or less, or the like) (e.g., at any given distance from the nozzle, e.g., about 10 cm or more, about 15 cm or more, about 20 cm or more, about 25 cm or more, from the nozzle, or about halfway between the nozzle and the collector, ¾ of the way from the nozzle to the collector, or the like).

(56) In some embodiments, the fluid stock, the jet, and/or the plume comprises a fluid (e.g., water) and an inclusion component (e.g., polymer and/or ceramic precursors). In certain embodiments, compositions provided herein comprise a plurality of droplets, a jet, or a fluid stock comprising a fluid (e.g., water), a polymer, and a ceramic precursor. In various embodiments, individual droplets optionally comprise one or more inclusion type and/or other additive. Further, some or all of the fluid of the droplets (of the plume) may be evaporated during processing (e.g., prior to deposition). In various embodiments, concentrations of inclusion materials in droplets described herein, or a composition comprising the same, are generally higher than the concentrations of such materials in the fluid stock, or even in the jet (where evaporation of the fluid begins). In certain embodiments, droplets or compositions comprising the droplets having inclusions concentrations of at least 1.5×, at least 2×, at least 3×, at least 5×, at least 10×, or the like (e.g., wherein the inclusions make up up to 70 wt. % or more, 80 wt. % or more, 90 wt. % or more, or even 100 wt. % of the droplets or composition/plume comprising the same) of the concentrations of the droplets or composition/plume comprising the same. In specific embodiments, such concentrations are achieved at any given distance from the nozzle, e.g., about 10 cm or more, about 15 cm or more, about 20 cm or more, about 25 cm or more, from the nozzle, or about halfway between the nozzle and the collector, ¾ of the way from the nozzle to the collector, or the like.

(57) In some embodiments, a process or system provided herein allows for high throughput processing (e.g., relative to other non-gas controlled techniques). In some instances, the controlled air flow allows for an increase rate and uniformity in dispersion and/or breaking up of the jet and the plume, allowing for increased fluid stock flow rates, while also increasing deposition uniformity. In various embodiments, the fluid stock is provided to the nozzle at any suitable flow rate, such as about 0.01 mL/min or more, about 0.05 mL/min or more, about 0.1 mL/min or more, about 0.2 mL/min or more, or about 0.01 mL/min to about 10 mL/min. In certain embodiments, the fluid stock is provided to the first inlet at a rate of about 0.01 to about 10 mL/min, e.g., about 0.05 mL/min to about 5 mL/min, or about 0.5 mL/min to about 5 mL/min.

(58) In specific embodiments, a process described herein comprises providing a fluid stock to a first inlet of a first conduit of a nozzle, the first conduit being enclosed along the length of the conduit by a wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the first conduit having a first outlet. In specific instances, the walls of the first conduit form a capillary tube, or other structure. In some instances, the first conduit is cylindrical, but embodiments herein are not limited to such configurations.

(59) FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary nozzle apparatuses 800 and 830 provided herein. Illustrated by both nozzle components 800 and 830 some embodiments, the nozzle apparatus comprises a nozzle component comprising a first (inner) conduit, the first conduit being enclosed along the length of the conduit by a first wall 801 and 831 having an interior and an exterior surface, and the first conduit having a first inlet (or supply) end 802 and 832 (e.g., fluidly connected to a first supply chamber and configured to receive a fluid stock) and a first outlet end 803 and 833. Generally, the first conduit has a first diameter 804 and 834 (e.g., the average diameter as measured to the inner surface of the wall enclosing the conduit). In further instances, the nozzle component comprising a second (outer) conduit, the second conduit being enclosed along the length of the conduit by a second wall 805 and 835 having an interior and an exterior surface, and the second conduit having a second inlet (or supply) end 806 and 836 (e.g., fluidly connected to a second supply chamber and configured to receive a gas—such as a high velocity or pressurized gas (e.g., air)) and a second outlet end 807 and 837. In some instances, the second inlet (supply) end 806 and 836 is connected to a supply chamber. In certain instances, the second inlet (supply) end 806 and 836 are connected to the second supply chamber via a supply component. FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary supply component comprising a connection supply component (e.g., tube) 813 and 843 that fluidly connects 814 and 844 the supply chamber (not shown) to an inlet supply component 815 and 845, which is fluidly connected to the inlet end of the conduit. The figure illustrates such a configuration for the outer conduit, but such a configuration is also contemplated for the inner and any intermediate conduits as well. Generally, the first conduit has a first diameter 808 and 838 (e.g., the average diameter as measured to the inner surface of the wall enclosing the conduit). The first and second conduits have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, the conduits are cylindrical (e.g., circular or elliptical), prismatic (e.g., a octagonal prism), conical (e.g., a truncated cone—e.g., as illustrated by the outer conduit 835) (e.g., circular or elliptical), pyramidal (e.g., a truncated pyramid, such as a truncated octagonal pyramid), or the like. In specific embodiments, the conduits are cylindrical (e.g., wherein the conduits and walls enclosing said conduits form needles). In some instances, the walls of a conduit are parallel, or within about 1 or 2 degrees of parallel (e.g., wherein the conduit forms a cylinder or prism). For example, the nozzle apparatus 800 comprise a first and second conduit having parallel walls 801 and 805 (e.g., parallel to the wall on the opposite side of the conduit, e.g., as illustrated by 801a/801b and 805a/805b, or to a central longitudinal axis 809). In other embodiments, the walls of a conduit are not parallel (e.g., wherein the diameter is wider at the inlet end than the outlet end, such as when the conduit forms a cone (e.g., truncated cone) or pyramid (e.g., truncated pyramid)). For example, the nozzle apparatus 830 comprise a first conduit having parallel walls 831 (e.g., parallel to the wall on the opposite side of the conduit, e.g., as illustrated by 831a/831b, or to a central longitudinal axis 839) and a second conduit having non-parallel walls 835 (e.g., not parallel or angled to the wall on the opposite side of the conduit, e.g., as illustrated by 835a/835b, or to a central longitudinal axis 839). In certain embodiments, the walls of a conduit are within about 15 degrees of parallel (e.g., as measured against the central longitudinal axis, or half of the angle between opposite sides of the wall), or within about 10 degrees of parallel. In specific embodiments, the walls of a conduit are within about 5 degrees of parallel (e.g., within about 3 degrees or 2 degrees of parallel). In some instances, conical or pyramidal conduits are utilized. In such embodiments, the diameters for conduits not having parallel walls refer to the average width or diameter of said conduit. In certain embodiments, the angle of the cone or pyramid is about 15 degrees or less (e.g., the average angle of the conduit sides/walls as measured against a central longitudinal axis or against the conduit side/wall opposite), or about 10 degrees or less. In specific embodiments, the angle of the cone or pyramid is about 5 degrees or less (e.g., about 3 degrees or less). Generally, the first conduit 801 and 831 and second conduit 805 and 835 having a conduit overlap length 810 and 840, wherein the first conduit is positioned inside the second conduit (for at least a portion of the length of the first and/or second conduit). In some instances, the exterior surface of the first wall and the interior surface of the second wall are separated by a conduit gap 811 and 841. In certain instances, the first outlet end protrudes beyond the second outlet end by a protrusion length 812 and 842. In certain instances, the ratio of the conduit overlap length-to-second diameter is any suitable amount, such as an amount described herein. In further or alternative instances, the ratio of the protrusion length-to-second diameter is any suitable amount, such as an amount described herein, e.g., about 1 or less.

(60) FIG. 8 also illustrates cross-sections of various nozzle components provided herein 850, 860 and 870. Each comprises a first conduit 851, 861 and 871 and second conduit 854, 864, and 874. As discussed herein, in some instances, the first conduit is enclosed along the length of the conduit by a first wall 852, 862 and 872 having an interior and an exterior surface and the second conduit is enclosed along the length of the conduit by a second wall 855, 865 and 875 having an interior and an exterior surface. Generally, the first conduit has any suitable first diameter 853, 863 and 864 and any suitable second diameter 856, 866, and 876. The cross-dimensional shape of the conduit is any suitable shape, and is optionally different at different points along the conduit. In some instances, the cross-sectional shape of the conduit is circular 851/854 and 871/874, elliptical, polygonal 861/864, or the like.

(61) In some instances, coaxially configured nozzles provided herein and coaxial gas controlled processing provided herein comprises providing a first conduit or fluid stock along a first longitudinal axis, and providing a second conduit or gas (e.g., pressurized or high velocity gas) around a second longitudinal axis (e.g., and electrospraying the fluid stock in a process thereof). In specific embodiments, the first and second longitudinal axes are the same. In other embodiments, the first and second longitudinal axes are different. In certain embodiments, the first and second longitudinal axes are within 500 microns, within 100 microns, within 50 microns, or the like of each other. In some embodiments, the first and second longitudinal axes are aligned within 15 degrees, within 10 degrees, within 5 degrees, within 3 degrees, within 1 degree, or the like of each other. For example, FIG. 8 illustrates a cross section of a nozzle component 870 having an inner conduit 871 that is off-center (or does not share a central longitudinal axis) with an outer conduit 874. In some instances, the conduit gap (e.g., measurement between the outer surface of the inner wall and inner surface of the outer wall) is optionally averaged—e.g., determined by halving the difference between the diameter of the inner surface of the outer wall 876 and the diameter of the outer surface of the inner wall 872. In some instances, the smallest distance between the inner surface of the outer wall 876 and the diameter of the outer surface of the inner wall 872 is at least 10% (e.g., at least 25%, at least 50%, or any suitable percentage) of the largest distance between the inner surface of the outer wall 876 and the diameter of the outer surface of the inner wall 872.

(62) In some embodiments, the polymer has any suitable molecular weight. For example, in certain embodiments, the polymer has a molecular weight of at least 5,000 atomic mass units (“amu”), at least 10,000 amu, at least 20,000 amu, at least 50,000 amu, and the like. A polymer in used in a process or found in a composition herein has any suitable PDI (weight average molecular weight divided by the number average molecular weight). In some embodiments, the polymer has a polydispersity index of about 1 to about 10, about 2 to about 5, about 1 to about 5, or the like.

(63) In certain embodiments, any suitable amount of polymer is optionally utilized in a fluid stock provided herein. In some instances, the amount of polymer utilized is less than the amount that would inhibit the formation of a plume (dispersion and/or breaking-up of the jet) when being sprayed. In some instances, with the use of the gas controlled spray processes, greater amounts of polymer are optionally utilized when compared to conventional spray techniques because of the effect of the gas to further break-up the jet and/or plume, providing greater formation, dispersion and control of droplets. In certain embodiments, the amount of polymer present in the fluid stock is less than 10 wt. %. In more specific embodiments, the amount of polymer present in the fluid stock is 0 wt. % to about 5 wt. % (e.g., about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, or about 0.5 wt. % to about 5 wt. %). In other instances, the amount of polymer utilized is at least the amount that is required to result in the formation of a jet and a fiber, without forming a plume (e.g., dispersion and/or breaking-up of the jet) when being spun. In some instances, with the use of the gas controlled spin processes, greater amounts of polymer are optionally utilized when compared to conventional spin techniques because of the effect of the gas to further improve processing capabilities and throughput. In certain embodiments, the amount of polymer present in the fluid stock is at least about 5 wt. %. In more specific embodiments, the amount of polymer present in the fluid stock is at least 10 wt. %. In still more specific embodiments, the amount of polymer present in the fluid stock is about 5 wt. % to about 50 wt. % (e.g., about 10 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, or about 10 wt. % to about 30 wt. %).

(64) In certain embodiments, the liquid medium comprises any suitable solvent or suspending agent. In some embodiments, the liquid medium is merely utilized as a vehicle and is ultimately removed, e.g., by evaporation during the spray or spin (e.g., electrospray or electrospin) process and/or upon drying of the deposition. In certain embodiments, the liquid medium comprises water, an alcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, propanol, butyl alcohol, or the like), dimethylformamide (DMF), tetrahydrofuran (THF), Dimethylacetamide (DMAc), N-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP), or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the liquid medium comprises a liquid precursor material that is converted upon deposition to a desired material, such as a ceramic. In some specific embodiments, the liquid medium comprises polysilazane, a silsesquioxone (e.g., polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), poly(organosilsesquioxane), or polysilsesquioxane (PSSQ)), or a combination thereof. In some instances, unless otherwise stated, the ceramic precursor optionally fulfills the role of both liquid medium and ceramic precursor. In specific (e.g., preferred) instances, the ceramic precursor does not fulfill the role of liquid medium.

(65) In some embodiments, the ceramic precursor is a polysilaazane, such as having a structure of general formula (I):
—[SiR.sup.1R.sup.2—NR.sup.3].sub.n—  (I)

(66) In some instances, the polysilazane has a chain, cyclic, crosslinked structure, or a mixture thereof. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary silazane structure having a plurality of units of Formula I with cyclic and chain structures. In various embodiments, the polysilzane comprises any suitable number of units, such as 2 to 10,000 units and/or n is any suitable value, such as an integer between 2 and 10,000. In certain embodiments, the polysilazane of formula I has an n value such that the 100 to 100,000, and preferably from 300 to 10,000. Additional units are optionally present where each R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 is optionally cross-linked to another unit at the N group—e.g., forming, together with the R.sup.3 of another unit a bond—such cross-links optionally form links between separate linear chains, or form cyclic structures, or a mixture thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, a compound of formula I comprises a plurality of units having a first structure, e.g., —[SiHCH.sub.3—NCH.sub.3]—, and a plurality of units having a second structure, e.g., —[SiH.sub.2NH]—. In specific embodiments, the ratio of the first structure to the second structure is 1:99 to 99:1. Further, in certain embodiments, the compound of Formula I optionally comprises a plurality of units having a third structure, such as wherein the ratio of the first structure to the third structure is 1:99 to 99:1. The various first, second, and optional third structures may be ordered in blocks, in some other ordered sequence, or randomly. In specific embodiments, each R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 is independently selected from H and substituted or unsubstituted alkyl (straight chain, branched, cyclic or a combination thereof; saturated or unsaturated). Exemplary, polysilazanes provided herein comprise one or more unit of FIG. 9, wherein x, y, and z are individually any suitable integer, such as 1 to about 100 or 1 to about 1,000 or more, and R is as described above for R.sup.1 or R.sup.2.

(67) In some embodiments, the ceramic precursor is a silsesquioxane, such as having a structure of general formula (II):
—[SiR.sup.1R.sup.2—O].sub.n—  (II)

(68) In some instances, the compound is a silsesquioxane having a cage (e.g., polyhedral oligomeric) or opened cage (e.g., wherein an SiR.sup.1 is removed from the cage) structure. FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary cage wherein n is 8 (wherein the R group of FIG. 6 is defined by R.sup.1 herein). FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary opened cage wherein n is 7 (wherein the R group of FIG. 7 is defined by R.sup.1 herein). In some instances, an R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 group of one unit is taken together with an R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 group of another unit to form an —O— (e.g., forming a ladder-like polysilsesquiloxane). In certain embodiments, a cage structure is optionally formed when several an R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 groups are taken together with the R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 groups of other units (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6). In various embodiments, the polysilsesquiloxane comprises any suitable number of units, such as 2 to 200 (e.g., 2-20) units and/or n is any suitable value, such as an integer between 2 and 200, e.g., 2-20 or 7-16. In certain embodiments, the cage comprises 8 units, but larger cages are optional. In additional, opened cages, wherein one of the units is absent are also optional.

(69) In certain embodiments, each R1, R2, and R3 of formula (I) and (II) is independently H or substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon, such as alkyl (e.g., substituted or non-substituted, such as with alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, halo, carboxy, COOR, OCOR, or the like, such as wherein R is H, alkyl, or heteroalkyl, such as wherein R is alkyl) or aryl (e.g., substituted or non-substituted, such as with alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, halo, carboxy, COOR, OCOR, or the like, such as wherein R is H, alkyl, or heteroalkyl, such as wherein R is alkyl).

(70) In various embodiments, any substituted radicals may be substituted with halogens such as chlorine, bromine and fluorine, an alkoxy group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a silyl group, an amino group, alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, hydroxyl, halo, carboxy, COOR, OCOR, (such as wherein R is H, alkyl, or heteroalkyl), a siloxane, an organosiloxane, a silsesquioxane, an organosilsesquioxane, a POSS group (e.g., comprising one or more of the structural units: RSiO.sub.1.5, wherein R is, e.g., a hydrocarbon), a silane, an organosilane, or other silicon containing substituents. In some instances, radicals may be taken together to form a ring. The hydrocarbon group includes an aliphatic hydrocarbon group and an aromatic hydrocarbon group (“aryl”), and the aliphatic hydrocarbon group may include a chain hydrocarbon group and a cyclic hydrocarbon group. Examples of the hydrocarbon group include an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a cycloalkenyl group, an aryl group, and an arylalkyl group. Alkyl groups described herein include saturated, unsaturated, straight-chain, branched, and cyclic alkyl groups (as well as groups comprising combinations thereof). The number of carbon atoms in these hydrocarbon atoms is not limited, but is usually 20 or less, and preferably 10 or less. In some instances, is an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. In some instances, a hydrocarbon comprises a silyl group, such as an alkyl group having 1 to 20 (e.g., 1-6) carbon atoms, and comprising a silyl group. In certain instances, the number of hydrocarbon atoms to be combined with Si is within a range from 1 to 3. In some instances, the hydrocarbon comprises an amino group and hydrocarbonoxy group, such as wherein the number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon group is within a range from 1 to 3.

(71) Ceramic precursors provided herein may have a chain, cyclic or crosslinked structure, or a mixture thereof. Additional units may be present where each substituent (R type group) is optionally cross-linked to another monomeric unit of the general formula (e.g., at the N group for silazanes—e.g., through R.sup.3′—or through R.sup.1 or R.sup.2 of silsesquiloxanes such cross-links may form links between separate linear chains, or form cyclic structures, or a mixture thereof). Any suitable molecular weight for such ceramic precursors is contemplated herein, such as wherein the number-average molecular weight is within a range from 100 to 100,000, e.g., from 300 to 10,000.

(72) In some embodiments, a ceramic precursor provided herein is an organo-functionalized compound, such as an organopolysilazane or a silsesquiloxane (organosilsesquiloxane). In specific embodiments, such as organo-functionalized compound comprises one or more organic functional group, such as in the place of another group of the compound (e.g., in the place of a hydrogen group). Exemplary organo-functionalized compounds include those illustrated herein wherein an R group thereof comprises an organic radical or group. Organic radicals and groups include hydrocarbon based radicals and groups that are optionally functionalized (e.g., wherein one or more carbon and/or hydrogen of the hydrocarbon is optionally substituted) with various heteroatoms, such as halides, non-metals (e.g., oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and/or the like), metalloids (e.g., silicon), and the like. In various instances, organic radicals comprise at least one of the following: one or more alkyl, one or more heteroalkyl, one or more aryl, and/or one or more heteroaryl. Alkyl and heteroalkyl radicals and groups optionally comprises cyclic and acyclic radicals or groups, optionally comprise branched and straight chain radicals or groups, optionally comprise saturated and unsaturated radicals or groups. A heteroalkyl group is an alkyl group wherein at least one carbon is replaced with a heteroatom (e.g., non-metal or halide), such as oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, or the like. For example, in a heteroalkyl group, a —CR.sub.2— group may be substituted with an —O— group, an —S— group, an —SO— group, an —SO.sub.2— group, or an —NR— group, such as a poly(oxoalkylene) (e.g., polyethylene oxide (PEO)). Similarly, a heteroaryl group is an aryl group wherein at comprising at least one heteroatom within an aromatic ring structure. Alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl groups are optionally substituted or unsubstituted. For example, optionally substituted groups have one or more atoms (e.g., hydrogen atoms) that are covalently bound to a group or substituent as defined above, or a free electron pair, such as on a nitrogen, may be replaced by a covalently-bound non-hydrogen substituent, such as selected from the group consisting of R, OH, SH, OR, SR, S(═O)R, SO.sub.2R, halo, NR.sub.2, NR.sub.3+, NRCOR, NO.sub.2, CN, CO.sub.2R, CONR.sub.2, COR, oxo (═O), and thioxo (═S). In the above substituents, each R is independently selected from H, alkyl (e.g., lower alkyl), heteroalkyl (e.g., lower heteroalkyl), aryl, heteroaryl, or the like. In addition, groups, such as “alk” and “alkyl” groups, offset in parentheticals, are optionally present or not present. For example, in “(alk)acryloxyalkyl,” both or either of “alkacryloxyalkyl” and/or “acryloxyalkyl” are contemplated. Moreover, “alk” groups are “alkyl” groups are described herein.

(73) In some instances, the compounds having structures represented by formula of (I) and/or (II), terminate in any suitable group, such as described for any R or organo-group described herein.

(74) In some embodiments, a process herein comprises or a system provided herein is configured to provide a voltage to a nozzle, such as one provided herein. In specific embodiments, the voltage is provided to the inner conduit (e.g., the walls thereof). In certain embodiments, application of the voltage to the nozzle provides an electric field at the nozzle (e.g., at the outlet of the inner conduit thereof). In some instances, the electric field results in the formation of a “cone” (e.g., Taylor cone) (e.g., as illustrated by 106 and 107 of FIG. 1) at the nozzle (e.g., at the outlet of the inner conduit thereof), and ultimately a jet and/or plume/aerosol. In certain instances, after the formation of a cone, the jet is broken up into small and highly charged liquid droplets, which are dispersed, e.g., due to Coulomb repulsion.

(75) In some embodiments, any suitable voltage (e.g., direct current voltage) is applied (e.g., to the nozzle). In specific embodiments, the voltage applied about 8 kV to about 30 kV, or more, depending on the number of nozzles utilized. In more specific embodiments, the voltage applied is about 10 kV to about 25 kV. In certain embodiments, a power supply is configured to provide the voltage to the nozzle.

(76) In certain embodiments, a process herein provides or a system herein is configured to provide a pressurized gas to an outer inlet of an outer conduit of an nozzle. In some embodiments, the outer conduit is enclosed along the length of the conduit by an outer wall having an interior surface, the outer conduit having an outer conduit inlet and an outer conduit outlet. In some instances, the pressurized gas is provided from a pressurized canister, by a pump, or by any other suitable mechanism. Generally, providing pressurized gas to a nozzle (e.g., to the inlet of the outer channel) results in a high velocity gas being discharged from the nozzle (e.g., outlet of the outer channel of the nozzle). Any suitable gas pressure or gas velocity is optionally utilized in processes and/or systems herein. In specific embodiments, the gas pressure applied (e.g., to the inlet of the outer channel) is about 15 psi or more. In more specific embodiments, the gas pressure is about 20 psi or more, about 25 psi or more, or about 40 psi or more. In certain embodiments, the velocity of the gas at the nozzle (e.g., the outlet of the outer channel thereof) is about 0.5 m/s or more, about 1 m/s or more, about 5 m/s or more, about 25 m/s or more, or the like. In more specific embodiments, the velocity is about 50 m/s or more. In still more specific embodiments, the velocity is about 100 m/s or more, e.g., about 200 m/s or more, or about 300 m/s. In certain embodiments, the gas is any suitable gas, such as comprising air, oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, or a combination thereof.

(77) In certain embodiments, the inner and outer conduits have any suitable configuration, such as diameter. In some embodiments, the diameter of the outer conduit is about 0.2 mm to about 10 mm, e.g., about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In more specific embodiments, the diameter of the outer conduit is about 0.2 mm to about 5 mm, e.g., about 1 mm to about 3 mm. In certain embodiments, the diameter of the inner conduit is about 0.05 mm (e.g., about 0.1 mm) to about 8 mm, e.g., about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm, e.g., about 1 mm to about 4 mm. Generally, as discussed herein, the inner conduit is configured inside the outer conduit, preferably along a similar or identical axis, but slight offset configurations are also considered to be within the scope of the instant disclosure. In some embodiments, an outer wall surrounds the outer conduit, the outer wall having an interior surface (e.g., defining the outer conduit). In some embodiments, the average distance between the exterior surface of the inner wall and the interior surface of the outer wall (referred to herein as the conduit gap) is any suitable distance. In specific instances, the conduit gap is about 0.2 mm or more, e.g., about 0.5 mm or more. In more specific embodiments, the conduit gap is about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. In certain embodiments, the gap is small enough to facilitate a high velocity gas at the nozzle and to facilitate sufficient disruption or elongation of the charged fluid (jet) ejected from the nozzle (e.g., such as to provide sufficiently small droplet sizes and sufficiently uniform inclusion dispersion in the plume and on the collection substrate). In some embodiments, the inner channel and the outer channel run along an identical or similar longitudinal axis, the length of which both the inner and outer channels running along that axis being the conduit overlap length (e.g., proximal to the terminus of either (e.g., if the terminus thereof is offset)) or both (e.g., if the terminus thereof is aligned) channels). In some embodiments, the inner conduit length, the outer conduit length, and the conduit overlap length is about 0.1 mm to about 100 mm, or more. In specific embodiments, the inner conduit length, the outer conduit length, and the conduit overlap length is about 0.5 mm to about 100 mm, e.g., about 1 mm to about 100 mm, about 1 mm to about 50 mm, about 1 mm to about 20 mm, or the like. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the conduit overlap length to the first diameter being about 0.5 to about 10, e.g., about 1 to about 10. In some embodiments, the inner conduit is longer than the outer conduit, the inner conduit protruding beyond the outer conduit, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 1 (108 and 109) and FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the protrusion length (e.g., channel terminus offset) is about −0.5 mm to about 1.5 mm, e.g., about 0 mm to about 1.5 mm.

(78) In certain embodiments, processes herein comprise collecting and/or systems herein are configured to collect (e.g., micron or sub-micron scaled) particles and/or droplets of the plume or (e.g., micron or sub-micron) fibers onto a substrate. In specific embodiments, collection of these materials allows for the formation of a uniform deposition on the substrate. Further, in some instances, given the small size of the deposition components (e.g., particles and/or droplets) formed by systems and processes described herein, it is possible to form depositions having thin and/or uniform layers, and to have good control of the thickness thereof. In some embodiments, the substrate is positioned opposite the outlet of the nozzle. FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system 300 provided herein comprising a bank 301 of electrospray nozzles 302 positioned opposite a substrate 303. FIG. 3 also illustrates an exploded view 306 of a nozzle 302 and a substrate 303. As is exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3, spraying/spinning (e.g., electrospraying or electrospinning) a fluid stock onto a substrate forms a deposition 304 thereon. In some embodiments, the substrate and/or the nozzle bank is configured to be mobile, allowing facile deposition onto a substrate. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the substrate 303 is optionally configured to be affixed to a roll 305, and/or the nozzle bank is configured to move along the surface of a substrate, depositing a coating on the substrate as the bank moves. In specific embodiments, the substrate is itself grounded or positioned between a grounded component (the “collector”) and the nozzle. Alternatively, a voltage, such as described herein, is applied to the “collector” and the nozzle is grounded.

(79) Further, in some embodiments, it is desirable that any inclusions in the fluid stock are dissolved and/or well dispersed prior to processing, e.g., in order to minimize clogging of the nozzle, ensure good uniformity of dispersion of any inclusions in the resulting deposition, and/or the like. In specific embodiments, the fluid stock is agitated prior to being provided to the nozzle (e.g., inner conduit inlet thereof), or the system is configured to agitate a fluid stock prior to being provided to the nozzle (e.g., by providing a mechanical stirrer or sonication system associated with a fluid stock reservoir, e.g., which is fluidly connected to the inlet of the inner conduit of an electrospray nozzle provided herein).

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Electrospray Polymer Film Membrane

(80) A fluid stock comprising 1-5 wt. % polyvinylalcohol (PVA) in water is prepared. The solution is provided to a non-gas-controlled electrospray nozzle, to which a direct voltage of about 10 kV to about 15 kV is maintained. A grounded collector is positioned opposite the electrospray nozzle, at a distance of about 20 cm to about 25 cm. High speed imaging of the electrospray process is illustrated in FIG. 1 (left panel), and a PVA deposition is collected on the collector, as illustrated in FIG. 2 (left panels). As is illustrated in FIG. 2, the deposition is irregular, with large PVA beads being evident.

(81) A 1-5 wt. % PVA solution is also electrosprayed by injecting the solution into a gas (air) stream (Q.sub.air of about 11 SCFH) using a coaxially configured nozzle as described herein. A direct voltage of about 10 kV to about 15 kV is maintained at the nozzle. A grounded collector is positioned opposite the electrospray nozzle, at a distance of about 20 cm to about 25 cm. High speed imaging of the electrospray process is illustrated in FIG. 1 (right panel), and a PVA deposition is collected on the collector, as illustrated in FIG. 2 (right panels). As is illustrated in FIG. 2, the deposition is highly uniform, with no large PVA beads being evident.

Example 2: Electrospin Polymer Fiber Mat Membrane

(82) A fluid stock is prepared similar to as described in Example 1, with a concentration of >5% polyvinylalcohol (PVA) in water. The solution is provided to a gas-controlled electrospin nozzle, to which a direct voltage of about 10 kV to about 15 kV is maintained. A grounded collector is positioned opposite the electrospin nozzle, at a distance of about 20 cm to about 25 cm. Fibers are electrospun with gas under conditions similar to those identified in Example 1.

Example 3: Polymer-Ceramic Hybrid Membrane

(83) Using a process similar to that described in Example 2, a fluid stock is prepared using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in DMF (8-15 wt. %) and adding a ceramic precursor (a silazane). The fluid stock is processed using a similar gas-assisted process as described in Example 2 and collected. The fibers are cured at a rate suitable for obtaining a continuous ceramic matrix (co-continuous with polymer), with a ceramic coat. A fibrous mat is collected and prepared into a membrane, such as illustrated in FIG. 10.

(84) A strip of the membrane is prepared. One end of the membrane strip placed into an electrolyte bath. A strip of conventional polyolefinic separator (CELGARD® 2400) is similarly treated. After allowing the electrolyte to absorb into the membranes (wick), the uptake of electrolyte is compared. FIG. 10 illustrates the dramatically improved wettability of an exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane material provided herein relative to a polypropylene (PP) separator by CELGARD®. As is demonstrated, polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane provided herein have been observed to have exceptional electrolyte wicking capabilities (corresponding to wettability) relative to more conventional polyolefinic separator membranes

(85) A sample of the polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane is also tested for air permeability at a variety of pressure differentials (on one side of the membrane relative to the other), with a polypropylene (PP) separator by CELGARD® (CELGARD® 2400) also tested for comparison purposes. As illustrated in FIG. 11, exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane material provided herein demonstrated greatly superior fluid permeability relative to a polyolefinic separator by CELGARD®.

(86) The thermal stability of the exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane was also tested and compared to the thermal stability of a polypropylene (PP) separator by CELGARD®. The results are illustrated in FIG. 12, which demonstrates the enhanced thermal stability of an exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane material provided herein. As is demonstrated, the exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid membrane provided herein is observed to have exceptional thermal stability up to 200° C. and beyond, whereas more conventional polyolefinic separator membranes rapidly fail at temperatures below even 100° C.

(87) Further, inclusion of the continuous ceramic material to the fiber morphology serves to improve the mechanical properties of the membrane. FIG. 25 illustrates the strength of the fibrous material, at various ceramic loadings. As illustrated, all ceramic containing fibers demonstrated significant improvements in strength over naked polymer fibrous material. Increasing strength is observed for the fibers up to 20 wt. % precursor, but decreases and becomes more brittle when going from 20 wt. % to 30 wt. %.

Example 4: Polymer-Ceramic Hybrid Membrane—Various Precursors

(88) Using a process similar to that described in Example 3, a fluid stock is prepared using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in DMF and adding a ceramic precursor. A variety of fluid stock samples are prepared to manufacture a variety of exemplary polymer-ceramic hybrid materials. A first sample is prepared using a silazane (organic polysilazane (OPSZ); a second sample is prepared using a silsesquioxane (MSQ); a third sample is prepared using a siloxane (MSX); and a fourth sample is prepared using a polysilsesquioxane (PSSQ). FIG. 17 illustrates TEM images of a microtomed cross-section of fibers of such materials. As can be seen, all polymer-ceramic hybrid materials comprise a polymer matrix with ceramic embedded therewithin. In two of the samples (OPSZ and MSQ), a good coating/shell of ceramic is also observed. In one of the samples (MSX), a partial coating/shell is observed. And in, one sample (PSSQ), no coating/shell is observed.

(89) These separators are assembled into functional lithium ion battery sells and their capacities and capacity retentions observed. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the polymer-ceramic hybrid materials with a good outer ceramic coating of the polymer matrix material demonstrate the better performance profile (particularly with regard to capacity retention).

Example 5: Polymer-Ceramic Hybrid Membrane—Embedded Morphology

(90) Using a process similar to that described in Example 3, a fluid stock is prepared using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in DMF and adding a combination of ceramic precursors (a sicilic acid (TEOS) and a silazane). Hybrid structures are compared for three different samples, the first with 0% TEOS (on a weight basis of ceramic precursor provided in the fluid stock, the remainder being a polysilazane), the second with 20% TEOS, and the third with 40% TEOS. The resulting hybrid structures are observed to have discrete domains of ceramic in the internal matrix of the resultant materials, with higher concentrations of TEOS providing interconnected ceramic domains embedded within the polymer matrix. All samples are observed to have a good coating/shell of ceramic around the polymer matrix material. FIG. 15 demonstrations an illustrative representation of the difference in ceramic morphologies embedded in the polymer matrix for the 0% TEOS and 40% TEOS samples.

(91) The membranes are prepared as a separator as described in the previous examples and prepared in a lithium ion battery. Identical batteries are prepared using PAN-only membranes and a polyolefinic CELGARD® membrane as separators therein. As illustrated in FIG. 14, improved performance is observed for the combination of the silicic acid and polysilazane versus just the polysilazane alone, or with the ceramic-free PAN membrane or ceramic-free polyolefinic CELGARD® separators.

(92) Internal ceramic morphologies are also studied by varying the cure speed of polymer-ceramic nanofibers prepared similarly to those described above. Using a loading of 30 wt. % polymer derived ceramic (relative to polymer), fiber membranes are produced using process similar to that described in Example 3. Using the same loading (30 wt. %), polymer derived ceramic are fast-cured, medium-cured, and slow-cured. The fast-cured fiber membranes possess discrete domains of ceramic embedded within a polymer fiber matrix; the slow-cured fiber membranes possess continuous domains of ceramic embedded within a fiber matrix; and the medium-cured fiber membranes possess some continuous and some isolated domains of ceramic. Generally, the fast, medium, and slow curing samples readily cure, particularly in fiber form, the curing rates only being relative to one another. To ensure complete curing, all samples are cured in a low temperature furnace for a few hours prior to testing. The ionic conductivity of the various materials is measured and illustrated in FIG. 22. The fast- and medium-cured membranes demonstrate a significant improvement in ionic conductivity over pure polymer fiber membranes, but the slow-cured fibers demonstrate an ionic conductivity that is more than double that of the fast-cured fiber membranes. Moreover, full cells are prepared using LiCoO2 at a loading of 14.4 mg/cm2 and graphite at a loading of 11.3 mg/cm2. Using identical systems and processes, various cells are prepared, including cells using naked polyolefin films (Celgard) and polymer fiber membranes. At a charge and discharge rate of C/2, the polyolefin film cells were observed to only have a capacity retention of 60% after 100 cycles. By contrast, as illustrated in FIG. 23, polymer membranes were observed to have a capacity retention of about 79% after 100 cycles. Inclusion of ceramic in the membrane further improved capacity retention, with fast-cured membranes providing a capacity retention of about 84% after 100 cycles, medium-cured membranes providing a capacity retention of about 87% after 100 cycles, and the slow-cured membranes providing a capacity retention of at least 90% after 100 cycles. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 24, slow-cured membranes demonstrate excellent rate capabilities, doubling the capacity of not only naked polyolefin film and polymer fiber membranes at rates of 5 C, but also doubling the capacity of the fast-cured membranes at rates of 5 C. Moreover, even at lower rates, the slow-cured membranes demonstrate the best performance results. Indeed, very little drop off in capacity is observed when moving from slow rates of C/5 (discharge over 5 hours) to relatively fast rates of 2 C (discharge over 30 minutes).

Example 6: Polymer Membrane—Film

(93) Using a process similar to that described in Example 1, a fluid stock is prepared using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in DMF. The fluid stock is processed using a similar gas-assisted process as described in Example 1 and collected. A film mat is collected and prepared into a membrane, such as using a banked nozzle system, such as illustrated in FIG. 3.

Example 7: Polymer-Ceramic Hybrid Membrane—Film

(94) Using a process similar to that described in Example 1, a fluid stock is prepared using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in DMF and adding a ceramic precursor (a silazane). The fluid stock is processed using a similar gas-assisted process as described in Example 1 and collected. A film mat is collected and prepared into a membrane, such as using a banked nozzle system, such as illustrated in FIG. 3.

(95) The membranes are prepared as a separator as described in the previous examples and prepared in a lithium ion battery. Identical batteries are prepared using PAN-only film membranes (from Example 6) and a polyolefinic CELGARD® membrane as separators therein.

(96) FIG. 18 illustrates capacities and rate capabilities of exemplary membrane separators provided herein relative to a commercial polyolefinic separator by CELGARD®. As can be seen, the porous film separators provided herein provide very good capacities (relative to the CELGARD®) separator, and excellent rate capabilities. In particular, after initiation of the separators for a few cycles at lower charge rates, at a charge rate of 1 C the polymer and polymer-ceramic hybrid porous film membrane separators provided herein (e.g., prepared using a gas-assisted electrospray process herein) have excellent capacities (relative to a conventional polyolefin separator under identical conditions). Similarly high capacities are also observed at rates of 2 C (complete charge in 30 min), 3 C (complete charge in 20 min), and 4 C (complete charge in 15 min). Meanwhile, conventional polyolefinic separators are observed to initially have a rapid decrease in capacity and ultimately fail after only a few cycles. In the comparison, the two polymer-hybrid ceramic materials have the best performance after every cycle beginning with the 1 C cycling, with the polymer materials provided herein just below the hybrid materials, and the conventional polyolefinic separators performing much more poorly.

(97) In addition, the mesoporous nature of such film materials is illustrated in FIG. 19. As is illustrated, such materials have a very high concentration of pores about 0.1 micron or below, with no observed pore structures above about 0.4 micron. Nevertheless, such materials demonstrate excellent rate capabilities, capacities, and the like when configured into lithium cells, such as noted in Example 8.

Example 8: Polymer-Ceramic Hybrid Membrane—Film

(98) Using a process similar to that described in Example 7, a fluid stock is prepared using polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyethylene oxide (PEO) and a ceramic precursor (a silazane). The fluid stock is processed using a similar gas-assisted process as described in Example 7 and collected. A film mat is collected and prepared into a membrane, such as using a banked nozzle system, such as illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 21 illustrates an SEM image of the polymer/ceramic composite film. The film is washed with an aqueous medium to afford a porous film membrane.

Example 9: Polymer-Ceramic Hybrid Membrane—Film & Mat

(99) Using processes of the examples provided above, a polymer (PAN)/ceramic mesoporous film and a polymer (PAN)/ceramic nanofiber mat are prepared as thin film membranes and are prepared into a full cell using a graphite anode and a lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) cathode. The excellent capacity of both cells are illustrated in FIG. 20, with the improved benefit of the film configuration illustrated (despite decreased porosity thereof).