Polyacrylonitrile/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Electrospun Nanofibers: Preparation Characterization and Application in Al-ion batteries

Abstract

In this study we produce electrospun nanofibers (ENs) of two polymers polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) used as separators for rechargeable aluminum batteries By manipulating the concentration (10 12 14 and 18 wt%) of polymer in N N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and different PAN/PMMA blend ratios (100:0 75:25 50:50 25:75) we successfully prepare separators compatible with highly reactive 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride:aluminum trichloride (EMIMCl:AlCl3) electrolyte employed in aluminum-ion batteries The developed separators are characterized in terms of morphology thermal properties porosity crystallinity and ionic conductivity also showing a good wettability in the electrolyte Furthermore the cells fabricated with the polymer membranes reveal remarkably good rate performance and cycling behavior The results confirm PAN/PMMA separators as promising candidates for rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries (RABs)

Date of Award	2020
Original language	English
Supervisor	Wen-Chung Wu (Supervisor)