DC10 - IFP Energies nouvelles - France
Title: High-throughput processing and surface modification of functional porous polyolefin separators for Na-ion batteries
Objective:
DC10 will develop up-scalable synthesis of functional polyolefins by reactive extrusion and subsequent biaxial stretching process to obtain porous separators. After screening relevant formulations using an internal mixer (ca. 40 g scale) and characterization of thermomechanical properties (DSC, linear and elongational rheology) materials with optimal characteristics will be up-scaled using twin screw extrusion (L/D = 68, 3-5 kg/h) in order to produce quantities (20 kg) sufficient to perform simultaneous biaxial stretching using a pilot processing line. Surface functionalization of commercial porous separators will also be considered. The separators will be characterized by porosimetry, electron microscopy, contact angle goniometry and gas permeation measurements to assess the Gurley number. The effective ionic transport properties will be investigated by EIS and the best performing separators will be implemented in Na-ion coin and pouch cells and compared to benchmarked commercial polyolefin porous separators.
Expected results:
DC10 will design a series of functional porous polyolefin separators exhibiting homogeneous porosity for thicknesses of 15-25 µm as well as enhanced wettability for liquid electrolytes compared to benchmarked polyolefin separators. Obtained separators will be assembled and extensively characterized in collaboration with DC2 (GINP) for effective transport properties and with DC9 (CSIC) for implementation in Na-ion half and full cells.
SUPERVISORS


IFP Energies nouvelles – Etablissement de Lyon
Rond-point de l’échangeur de Solaize, 69360 Solaize, France