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Review
. 2024 Jun 21;25(13):6822.
doi: 10.3390/ijms25136822.

Eco-Friendly Lithium Separators: A Frontier Exploration of Cellulose-Based Materials

Tian Zhao  1 , Pengcheng Xiao  1 , Mingliang Luo  1 , Saiqun Nie  1 , Fuzhi Li  1 , Yuejun Liu  1
Affiliations
Review

Eco-Friendly Lithium Separators: A Frontier Exploration of Cellulose-Based Materials

Tian Zhao et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Lithium-ion batteries, as an excellent energy storage solution, require continuous innovation in component design to enhance safety and performance. In this review, we delve into the field of eco-friendly lithium-ion battery separators, focusing on the potential of cellulose-based materials as sustainable alternatives to traditional polyolefin separators. Our analysis shows that cellulose materials, with their inherent degradability and renewability, can provide exceptional thermal stability, electrolyte absorption capability, and economic feasibility. We systematically classify and analyze the latest advancements in cellulose-based battery separators, highlighting the critical role of their superior hydrophilicity and mechanical strength in improving ion transport efficiency and reducing internal short circuits. The novelty of this review lies in the comprehensive evaluation of synthesis methods and cost-effectiveness of cellulose-based separators, addressing significant knowledge gaps in the existing literature. We explore production processes and their scalability in detail, and propose innovative modification strategies such as chemical functionalization and nanocomposite integration to significantly enhance separator performance metrics. Our forward-looking discussion predicts the development trajectory of cellulose-based separators, identifying key areas for future research to overcome current challenges and accelerate the commercialization of these green technologies. Looking ahead, cellulose-based separators not only have the potential to meet but also to exceed the benchmarks set by traditional materials, providing compelling solutions for the next generation of lithium-ion batteries.

Keywords: battery separator; cellulose; lithium-ion battery; modification method; preparation process.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 11
Figure 11
Schematic diagram of the effect of coating methods for preparing battery separators [178]. Copyright © 2020, with permission from American Chemical Society.
Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic illustration of the composite separator based on ANF and Al2O3 [33]. (a) Preparation process. (b) AFM phase topographies of the separators. (c) Schematic diagram of the effect of Al2O3 NPs content on ionic transport of the separator. Comparison of the mechanisms for blocking polysulfide shuttle and lithium dendrites between the PP (d) and Al2O3/ANFs@PP (e) separators. Copyright © 2022, with permission from Elsevier.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Specific process of MCC battery separator production [72]. Copyright © 2019, with permission from Springer Nature B.V.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Schematic illustration for preparation of SWP@PET@MFC separators [71]. Copyright © 2023, with permission from American Chemical Society.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Fabrication of hydroxyapatite/cellulose nanofiber (HAP/CNF) hybrid separators and electrochemical performance [75]. (a) Starting raw materials (natural wood) for CNFs. (b) Fabricated cellulose nanofibers. (c) Precursor (calcium oleate) for hydroxyapatite nanowires. (d) Hydroxyapatite nanowires. (e) HAP and CNF network. (f) HAP and CNF mixed solution. (g) Vacuum filtration. (h) HAP/CNF hybrid separator. (i) Flexible hybrid separator peeled off from a filter membrane. (j) Internal structure of the separator constructed by HAP and CNFs. (k) The application of the HAP/CNF separators in LIBs. The hybrid separators are thermally stable and electrolyte-wettable, and the processes are green. Copyright © 2023, with permission from American Chemical Society.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Chemical structure diagram of chemically modified cellulose.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Schematic diagram of a layered network derived from 3D cellulose acetate with controllable nanopores [149]. Copyright © 2021, with permission from Elsevier.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Specific working diagram and related data graph [157]. (a) Schematic to illustrate the preparation step of a PDA/Gr-CMC separator; SEM images of (b) a pristine separator and (c) a PDA-separator; (d) cross-section view of the PDA-separator; (e,f) SEM images of a PDA/Gr-CMC separator; (g) cross-section view of the PDA/Gr-CMC separator; (h) FT-IR spectra; (i,j) Raman spectra analysis. Copyright © 2018, with permission from WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Schematic drawing of separators based on PBI and EC [163]. Copyright © 2019, with permission from American Chemical Society.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Mechanism and preparation diagram of HPMC battery separator [165]. Copyright © 2023, with permission from Elsevier.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Preparation process of papermaking method [78]. SEM images of (a) PPS membrane, (b) 15%BC/PPS separator and (c) 20%BC/PPS separator. Due to the insufficient BC content, a few defects occurred in 15%BC/PPS separator (circled in red, Figure 10b). Copyright © 2021, with permission from Elsevier.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Schematic diagram of the formation of BCNC/PEBAX microporous membrane by flow casting method [77]. Copyright © 2023, with permission from Elsevier.
Figure 13
Figure 13
Schematic illustration for preparation of CF/PPS composite membrane by vacuum filtration method [182]. Typical SEM images of (a) PPS membrane, (b) cellulose membrane Copyright © 2021, with permission from Elsevier.
Figure 14
Figure 14
Preparation of highly porous battery separators using a phase separation method (NIPS) [196]. Copyright © 2021, with permission from American Chemical Society.
Figure 15
Figure 15
Aerogel cellulose-based battery separator [201]. Copyright 2023, with permission from Elsevier.
Figure 16
Figure 16
Lithium-ion battery separator prepared by electrospinning [210]. Copyright © 2021, with permission from Elsevier.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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