Docket #: S16-131
Electrodes and Separator for Stretchable Lithium-Ion Batteries
A team of engineers has developed high-performance, stretchable components for lithium-ion batteries using an easy, low-cost, scalable synthesis. These electrodes and separators could replace rigid components to fabricate stretchable batteries capable of powering flexible and wearable electronics. The technology creates a three-dimensional 3D porous sponge-like PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) scaffolds using a low-cost sugar template. This stretchable scaffold can then form the backbone for LTO (Li4Ti5O12) anodes, LFP (LiFePO4) cathodes, or separators. When combined, these components form a full cell with 80% stretchability, high specific capacity, and good cycling stability. These stretchable electrodes for lithium-ion batteries offer the potential to boost the development and application of a wide range of emerging devices such as wearable electronics, conformable skin sensors or implantable medical devices.
![](https://web.stanford.edu/group/OTL/lagan/16131/fig1.jpg)
Overview of fabrication and performance of stretched and unstretched material.
Stage of Research
The inventors have successfully fabricated LTO/LFP electrodes by 3D interconnected porous PDMS scaffolds and assembled a full cell using a PDMS separator. The electrodes had: high specific capacity; 80% stretchability; 82-91% capacity retention for the half cells after 500 stretch-release cycles; and slight capacity decay of 6% in the battery using electrode in stretched state. They are continuing their research to assemble a whole battery with electrode and sensor.
Applications
- Flexible and stretchable lithium-ion batteries with end-user applications such as:
- wearable, portable electronics
- conformable skin sensors
- implantable medical devices
Advantages
- Easy, low-cost, scalable synthesis - simple, high-efficiency process to fabricate 3D porous sponge using sugar template can be easily scaled up for commercial fabrication
- High stretchability - >80% stretchability in any direction while maintaining good electrochemical performance
- Stable, high performance electrodes:
- 82-91% capacity retention the stretchable LTO anode and LFP cathode after 500 stretch-release cycles
- functions under large mechanical strain
Publications
- Liu, W., Chen, Z., Zhou, G., Sun, Y., Lee, H. R., Liu, C., ... & Cui, Y. (2016). 3D Porous Sponge?Inspired Electrode for Stretchable Lithium?Ion Batteries. Advanced Materials, 28(18), 3578-3583.
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