title: Improving Ionic Conductivity and Lithium-Ion Transference Number in Lithium-Ion Battery Separators.
abstract: The microstructure of lithium-ion battery separators plays an important role in separator performance; however, here we show that a geometrical analysis falls short in predicting the lithium-ion transport in the electrolyte-filled pore space. By systematically modifying the surface chemistry of a commercial polyethylene separator while keeping its microstructure unchanged, we demonstrate that surface chemistry, which alters separator-electrolyte interactions, influences ionic conductivity and lithium-ion transference number. Changes in separator surface chemistry, particularly those that increase lithium-ion transference numbers can reduce voltage drops across the separator and improve C-rate capability.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Nanoelectronics, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Eidgenoessische Technische Hochschule Zurich , 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Raphael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zahn
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Nanoelectronics, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Eidgenoessische Technische Hochschule Zurich , 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Marie Francine
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Lagadec
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Nanoelectronics, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Eidgenoessische Technische Hochschule Zurich , 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hess
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Nanoelectronics, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Eidgenoessische Technische Hochschule Zurich , 8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Wood
keywords: electrolyte conductivity; layer-by-layer; lithium-ion battery; lithium-ion transference number; polyelectrolyte; separator; surface modification