Research progress in electrospinning engineering for all-solid-state electrolytes of lithium metal batteries

Abstract Owing to safety issue and low energy density of liquid lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), all-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASLMBs) with unique all-solid-state electrolytes (SEs) have attracted wide attentions. This arises mainly from the advantages of the SEs in the suppression of lithium dendrite growth, long cycle life, and broad working temperature range, showing huge potential applications in electronic devices, electric vehicles, smart grids, and biomedical devices. However, SEs suffer from low lithium-ion conductivity and low mechanical integrity, slowing down the development of practical ASLMBs. Nanostructure engineering is of great efficiency in tuning the structure and composition of the SEs with improved lithium-ion conductivity and mechanical integrity. Among various available technologies for nanostructure engineering, electrospinning is a promising technique because of its simple operation, cost-effectiveness, and efficient integration with different components. In this review, we will first give a simple description of the electrospinning process. Then, the use of electrospinning technique in the synthesis of various SEs is summarized, for example, organic nanofibrous matrix, organic/inorganic nanofibrous matrix, and inorganic nanofibrous matrix combined with other components. The current development of the advanced architectures of SEs through electrospinning technology is also presented to provide references and ideas for designing high-performance ASLMBs. Finally, an outlook and further challenges in the preparation of advanced SEs for ASLMBs through electrospinning engineering are given.