Dynamic networks of fluorine-rich acrylates enable highly conductive and flame-retardant electrolytes for lithium metal batteries

Abstract

A fluorinated gel polymer electrolyte (FGPE) was synthesized via in situ copolymerization of acrylamide (AM) and 1, 1, 1, 3, 3, 3-hexafluoroisopropyl acrylate (HFA). The synergistic interaction between –CF₃ and CO groups endows the electrolyte with high ionic conductivity (1.21 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹), a lithium-ion transference number of 0.68, and an electrochemical stability window up to 4.75 V. Symmetric Li‖FGPE‖Li cells exhibit stable cycling for over 1000 hours with a polarization voltage of 25 mV. Meanwhile, LFP‖Li full cells retain 87% of their initial capacity after 200 cycles, confirming the effectiveness of synergistic interactions between –CF₃ and CO in enhancing the performance of high-energy lithium metal batteries. This study establishes a design paradigm for high-conductivity functional gel polymer electrolytes, providing a viable pathway toward lithium metal batteries with integrated high stability and high conductivity capabilities.