Green Polymer Electrolytes Based on Polycaprolactones for Solid-State High-Voltage Lithium Metal Batteries

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have attracted considerable attention for high energy solid-state lithium metal batteries (LMBs). In this work, potentially ecofriendly, solid-state poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL)-based star polymer electrolytes with cross-linked structures (xBt-PCL) are introduced that robustly cycle against LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622) composite cathodes, affording long-term stability even at higher current densities. Their superior features allow for sufficient suppression of dendritic lithium deposits, as monitored by Li-7 solid-state NMR. Advantageous electrolyte|electrode interfacial properties derived from cathode impregnation with 1.5 wt% PCL enable decent cell performance until up to 500 cycles at rates of 1C (60 degrees C), illustrating the high potential of PCL-based SPEs for application in high-voltage LMBs.