Method of Shaping Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks Yields Fast, Stable, Solid-State Electrolytes

Abstract

UCF researchers have developed a low-cost method for processing two-dimensional (2-D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that can safely be used as electrolytes in solid-state, rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The new method offers a better alternative to producing liquid electrolyte-based Li-ion batteries (that can combust upon battery failure) and to ceramic materials that require costly production methods.

Technical Details

With the new method, 2-D COF powders are impregnated with lithium salts and then mechanically pressed along a uniaxial direction into shaped objects, such as pellets. The result produces materials that are crystallographically aligned with a high degree of anisotropic ordering, enabling fast Li-ion conductivity and dynamics within the COFs and exceptional electrochemical stability to lithium. The method can be applied to different COFs with diverse functionalities (for example, boronate, boroxine,  ß-ketoenamine and triazine) and different symmetries (such as hexagonal, trigonal, tetragonal or monoclinic symmetry).

Benefit

Market Application

Publications

Mechanically Shaped Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks Reveal Crystallographic Alignment and Fast Li-Ion Conductivity,  Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2016,138, 31, 9767-9770