Trimesitylborane-embedded radical scavenging separator for lithium-ion batteries

Here, we propose a new strategy that employs a functional separator composed of radical scavenging agents for removal of radical species in the cell. In detail, a radical scavenger, trimesitylborane (TRMSB), is embedded on the surface of nano-sized tungsten oxide (WO3) by a simple one-step process and the resulting nanoparticles are coated onto conventional separators by a dip-coating process. Our screening test performed by chemical reaction of TRMSB with a radical indicator (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) confirms that TRMSB effectively scavenges radical species via a chemical reaction, implying that the use of a WO3-TRMSB–functionalized separator would be effective for decreasing radical concentrations during electrochemical processes. In our electrochemical tests, the cell cycled with a WO3-TRMSB–functionalized separator exhibit showed both improved cycling retention compared to a cell cycled with a bare separator and improved physical and mechanical properties. [Display omitted] •WO3-TMB embedded PE separator is prepared by dip coating process.•TMB on the PE separator can remove reactive free radical species in the cell.•WO3-TMB-embedded separator is chemically stable against conventional electrolyte.•WO3-TMB-embedded separator displays stable cycling retention for 300 cycles.