MXene surface engineering enabling high-performance solid-state lithium metal batteries

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) offer inherent advantages for battery applications, such as high safety and excellent processability, but their practical use is limited by challenges like low ionic conductivity, subpar mechanical properties, and instability of the electrode/electrolyte interface. Here, novel SPEs are developed by embedding 2D MXenes decorated at the surface with methoxypolyethylene glycol chains into poly(vinylidene fluoride)-hexafluoropropylene matrices, enhanced with succinonitrile as a plasticizer. This innovative design improves the compatibility of the modified MXene in poly(vinylidene fluoride)-hexafluoropropylene and, together with the synergistic effects of succinonitrile, promotes the dissociation of lithium salt. The SPE achieves ionic conductivity of 1.49 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 30 °C, and a Li-ion transference number of 0.59. These results are supported by comprehensive experimental characterization, COMSOL simulations, and DFT calculations. This SPE enables stable and reversible Li plating/stripping for over 2100 h in Li/Li symmetric cells, while fabricated Li/LiFePO4 full cells deliver a notable capacity of 135.4 mAh g−1 with an average Coulombic efficiency of 98.9% after 100 cycles at 0.2 C. Furthermore, the Li/LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 full cells also demonstrate a capacity of 140.5 mAh g−1 after over 200 cycles at 0.5 C, showcasing an impressive capacity retention rate of 99.6%.