Liquid crystal elastomer-based solid electrolyte with intelligently regulated rigidity-flexibility toward high-energy lithium batteries

Solid-state electrolytes (SPE) have unique advantages in safety and lithium dendrite suppression, making them an ideal choice for future battery electrolytes. However, the further application of SPE requires addressing issues such as its low ionic conductivity, poor interfacial compatibility, and cycling stability. Using in situ polymerization technology, this research first creates a variety of new electrolytes based on liquid crystal elastomer (LCE). The new type of LCE-SPE features intelligently adjustable rigidity and flexibility. Research has found a unique systematic relationship between their structure, performance, and electrochemical properties. A series of LCESPEs exhibited excellent ionic conductivity (approximate to 3 mS cm- 1 ) and electrochemical stability window (approximate to 5 V). Besides, LCE-SPE-based LiFePO4 batteries exhibit excellent charge and discharge performance, with a capacity retention rate of over 90 % after 450 cycles at 1C. The discovery of LCE-SPE is expected to introduce more advanced properties of liquid crystal/polymer composites into electrolytes in the future. The established rigid- flexible system of LCE-SPE is expected to play an important role in the development of the next generation of smart solid-state batteries.