Issue 5, 2018

Block copolymer derived 3-D interpenetrating multifunctional gyroidal nanohybrids for electrical energy storage

Abstract

Electrical energy storage systems such as batteries would benefit enormously from integrating all device components in three-dimensional (3-D) architectures on the nanoscale to improve their power capability without negatively impacting the device-scale energy density. However, the lack of large scale synthesis methods of 3-D architectures with precise spatial control of multiple, functional energy materials at the nanoscale remains a key issue holding back the development of such intricate device designs. To achieve fully integrated, multi-material nano-3-D architectures, next-generation nanofabrication requires departure from the traditional top-down patterning methods. Here, we present an approach to such systems based on the bottom-up synthesis of co-continuous nanohybrids with all necessary functional battery components rationally integrated in a triblock terpolymer derived core–shell double gyroid architecture. In our design three-dimensional periodically ordered, functional anode and cathode nanonetworks are separated by an ultrathin electrolyte phase within a single 3-D nanostructure. All materials are less than 20 nm in their layer dimensions, co-continuous and interpenetrating in 3-D, and extended throughout a macroscopic monolith. The electrochemical analysis of our solid-state nano-3-D Li-ion/sulfur system demonstrated battery-like characteristics with stable open circuit voltage, reversible discharge voltage and capacity, and orders of magnitude decreases in footprint area compared to two-dimensional thin layer designs.

Graphical abstract: Block copolymer derived 3-D interpenetrating multifunctional gyroidal nanohybrids for electrical energy storage

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
18 Dec 2017
Accepted
08 Mar 2018
First published
09 Mar 2018

Energy Environ. Sci., 2018,11, 1261-1270

Author version available

Block copolymer derived 3-D interpenetrating multifunctional gyroidal nanohybrids for electrical energy storage

J. G. Werner, G. G. Rodríguez-Calero, H. D. Abruña and U. Wiesner, Energy Environ. Sci., 2018, 11, 1261 DOI: 10.1039/C7EE03571C

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