Metallic Silver Nanoparticles as Innovative Fillers for High-Performance PEO-Based Solid Electrolytes

초록

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based solid electrolytes are promising materials for allsolid-state lithium batteries due to their flexibility, thermal stability, and strong compatibility with lithium ions. However, their practical application is hindered by low ionic conductivity, primarily caused by the high crystallinity of the polymer matrix. Traditional strategies use ceramic fillers to reduce crystallinity and improve lithiumion mobility. While effective, these fillers often fail to achieve optimal conductivity and mechanical stability due to their intrinsic limitations. This study introduces metallic silver nanoparticles as an innovative filler for PEObased solid electrolytes. Unlike conventional ceramic fillers, silver nanoparticles exhibit superior electronic conductivity and exceptional lithiophilicity, synergistically enhancing ionic conduction. By precisely controlling their size, concentration, and oxidation state, silver nanoparticles interact effectively with the PEO matrix and lithium ions, reducing crystallinity and creating efficient ion transport pathways. This systematic approach achieves substantial improvements, with ionic conductivity and mechanical stability. The findings demonstrate the potential of metallic fillers as a transformative solution for high-performance solid electrolytes, advancing nextgeneration energy storage systems.