In situformation of polymer electrolytes using a dicationic imidazolium cross-linker for high-performance lithium ion batteries

Improving the electrochemical performance of polymer electrolytes in lithium ion batteries has been intensively studied. Herein, we adopted anin situsolventless polymerization strategy to fabricate PEG-based electrolytes cross-linked by a dicationic imidazolium compound directly onto the lithium anode, providing a direct, effective, and versatile pathway for the preparation of electrolytes. The electrolytes exhibit high thermal stability, a wide electrochemical window, an ionic conductivity higher than 10⁻⁴S cm⁻¹and an outstanding deformation stability without cracking at a 60% compressive strain. A conformal attachment at the electrolyte/electrode interface and a superior charge-discharge capacity as well as a long cycle life at 25 °C (0.2C rate, 93.8% after 150 cycles) and 60 °C (0.5C rate, 94.6% after 100 cycles) can be achieved in the equipped Li/LiFePO₄cell by forming electrolytes on lithium metal directly, which represents a promising approach for next-generation lithium ion battery technologies.