Core–shell-structured nanofibrous membrane as advanced separator for lithium-ion batteries

Ceramic-layer coated Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) separator shows excellent thermal stability, good electrolyte wettability, but usually poor mechanical strength. For the first time, Silica Encapsulated Nanofibrous Separator (SENS), in which ceramic coating layer is covalently bonded to the polymer nanofibers, is prepared as an advanced composite separator for LIBs. Properties of SENS including morphology, ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, thermal stability, mechanical strength and battery performance were characterized. Because of the unique SiO2-coating structure and cross-linked three-dimensional network, SENS shows significant advantages of good thermal stability up to 200 °C, high ionic conductivity, excellent coating strength and improved battery charge–discharge performance.