Kaolin-based composite polymer membrane for highly efficient batteries in energy storage systems
Suleimenova G. Rakhman D. Dauletbay A. Konarov A. Ussipbekova Y.
30 March 2026Elsevier Ltd
Journal of Energy Storage
2026#152
In the context of increasing demand for safe and efficient energy storage systems, the development of advanced battery separators remains a critical challenge. Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) have attracted considerable attention as promising alternatives to conventional liquid electrolytes due to their improved thermal stability, reduced leakage risk, and enhanced safety. In this work, kaolin-modified gel polymer electrolyte membranes based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVDF/PVP) matrices were prepared and systematically investigated for application in lithium-ion batteries. The influence of kaolin content on membrane morphology, electrolyte uptake, swelling behavior, thermal stability, and ionic conductivity was examined. The results demonstrate that kaolin incorporation significantly modifies the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the membranes. Within the investigated composition range, membranes containing 0.5 wt% kaolin exhibited a favorable balance between electrolyte uptake, ionic conductivity, and structural stability. At room temperature, ionic conductivity values of 1.54 × 10−5 S cm−1 and 1.14 × 10−4 S cm−1 were achieved for PVDF/kaolin and PVDF/PVP/kaolin systems, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that all membranes remain thermally stable up to approximately 300 °C, which is advantageous from a safety perspective. Electrochemical tests indicate improved interfacial stability for kaolin-containing membranes compared to kaolin-free counterparts. The observed low polarization and stable voltage profiles suggest enhanced electrode–electrolyte compatibility. Overall, this work demonstrates that kaolin-modified PVDF- and PVDF/PVP-based gel polymer electrolytes are promising electrolyte membranes for lithium-ion batteries within the investigated formulation range.
Battery , Fillers , Kaolin , Polymer membrane
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Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
National Laboratory Astana
Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026