GEL COMPOSITE ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANE FOR LITHIUM METAL BATTERIES

An improved gel composite electrolyte membrane and a method of its manufacture are provided. The method includes mixing polymer precursors, a lithium salt, and a ceramic filler in a vessel to form a mixture. The mixture is cast on a preheated substrate and cured to form a crosslinked composite electrolyte membrane. The composite electrolyte membrane is plasticized by immersing the composite electrolyte in a plasticizer to obtain a gel composite electrolyte membrane. The addition of a plasticizer and a ceramic filler synergistically and simultaneously act to improve the Li transference number and Li conductivity of the resulting composite electrolyte, exhibiting high ionic conductivity and mechanical stability as well improved cycling performance. The gel composite electrolyte membrane is particularly suitable for, but not limited to, lithium metal batteries.