The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Lithium metal anodes (LMAs) are promising for high-energy-density batteries but suffer from safety hazards caused by uncontrolled dendrite growth. To address this, we developed a novel polymer electrolyte (PIPE) by introducing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) into a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based matrix via polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS). This design facilitates the formation of micrometer-scale domains, enhancing mechanical resilience and ensuring conformal interfacial contact with lithium. Comprehensive analyses confirmed the superior electrochemical and thermal performance of PIPE. Notably, post-mortem analysis after 100 cycles revealed a dendrite-free morphology and a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. These results demonstrate that the PIPE system effectively suppresses dendrite propagation and enables stable cycling, offering a promising strategy for safe and durable lithium metal batteries.