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A Combined High Temperature Tape-Casting and 2D Freeze-Casting Method for Polymer Membranes with Vertically Oriented Pores

Citation

Gokuli, Mahi (2021) A Combined High Temperature Tape-Casting and 2D Freeze-Casting Method for Polymer Membranes with Vertically Oriented Pores. Senior thesis (Major), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/ywpf-cx09. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06062021-034939530

Abstract

Alternatives to lithium-ion batteries often require novel electrolytes, such as solvent-in-salt electrolytes and ionic liquids, for which commercial battery separators are unsuited. The Faber Lab at Caltech is researching processing methods for separators made of polymer/ceramic composite materials to ensure high wettability in novel liquid electrolytes. To this end, a flexible polymer separator is needed which provides a short working-ion transportation path for high ionic conductance. Here, a method was developed for the fabrication of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) membranes with vertically aligned, nontortuous pores with pore diameters of a few microns by directional crystallization of dimethyl sulfone (DMSO₂). The method combines high-temperature tape casting and bidirectional freeze casting into a single step. Important considerations for the improvement of the method (particularly, avenues for reducing the pore size to below 1 μm) are discussed. In addition, the role of PVDF-HFP crystallization in bidirectional freeze-casting, a solvent crystallization method, is discussed.

Item Type:Thesis (Senior thesis (Major))
Subject Keywords:battery separators, tape casting, freeze casting, polymer membranes, vertical pores
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Materials Science
Thesis Availability:Not set
Research Advisor(s):
  • Faber, Katherine T.
Thesis Committee:
  • None, None
Defense Date:28 May 2021
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:06062021-034939530
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:06062021-034939530
DOI:10.7907/ywpf-cx09
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Gokuli, Mahi0000-0001-9771-826X
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:14248
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Mahi Gokuli
Deposited On:09 Jun 2021 18:07
Last Modified:15 Jun 2023 17:09

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