Effects of processing parameters and metal-organic framework addition on the properties of PVDF-HFP membranes

Year 2025, Issue: 063, 1 - 13, 30.12.2025

Umut Savacı

https://doi.org/10.59313/jsr-a.1743283

Abstract

A separator is a porous membrane, and it is an important component of lithium-ion batteries, which provides electrical insulation between the anode and cathode while providing a route for ion conduction in the liquid electrolyte through its porous structure. Currently, various polymeric materials, like poly(ethylene) and poly(propylene), have been used as separators; however, due to the disadvantages of these materials, recent research has shifted towards developing advanced separators using poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) due to its high ionic conductivity. In this study, the effects of processing parameter, e.g. casting thickness, during the formation of porous PVDF-HFP membranes via thermally induced phase separation method, as well as the addition of Ce-modified UiO-66 metal-organic framework (MOF) particles on the properties of the membranes were investigated. The results showed that processing parameters control the thickness, porosity, and electrolyte uptake, thus ionic conductivity, of the neat membranes without having no significant effects on the crystallinity and β phase ratio. However, the incorporation of MOF particles resulted in improved ionic conductivity of PVDF-HFP membranes due to an increase in the amorphous phase content and the intrinsic ion conduction properties of the MOF particles. Electrochemical tests also showed that produced membranes have suitable electrochemical stability window for lithium-ion battery applications. Therefore, this study showed that UiO-66-(Ce) MOF-added PVDF-HFP membranes could be a promising material to be used as a separator for lithium-ion battery applications based on its ionic conductivity.

Keywords

Porous Membrane , PVDF-HFP , MOF , Composite , Advanced materials , Nano materials , Characterization

Supporting Institution

Eskişehir Technical University-Scientific Research Projects Commission under grant no: 22ADP416

Project Number

Project No: 22ADP416

Thanks

This study has been supported by Eskişehir Technical University-Scientific Research Projects Commission under grant no: 22ADP416. The author sincerely acknowledges Ceramic Research Center (SAM) and Onur Özgür Erkarslan for their support during experiments. The author also would like to thank Prof. Dr. Ünal Şen for providing the Ce-MOF particles used in this study.

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