Expanded Illite Filler in UV-Curable Polymer Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Li-Ion Batteries

In this study, we explored the potential of illite sourced from Yeongdong-eup, South Korea, as a filler in polymer electrolytes for all-solid-state Li-ion batteries. The illite was expanded (EI) by acid treatment and UV curing was employed to synthesize the polymer electrolytes. The Li+ ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolytes was measured at various EI contents, revealing the highest conductivity of 1.08 × 10−2 S cm−1 at 4 wt% of the EI. The electrochemical performance of NMC cells assembled with the EI-incorporated polymer electrolyte showed a good discharge capacity of over 158.6 mAh g−1 with a coulombic efficiency of 99%. These findings demonstrate the significant potential of EI as a sustainable and efficient filler material for enhancing the performance of polymer-based all-solid-state Li batteries. This study highlighted the applicability of illite sourced from South Korea and its potential contribution to the development of polymer-based all-solid-state batteries.