Novel Composite Separators Based on Heterometallic Metal-Organic Frameworks Improve the Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries

The separator is an essential component of lithium-ion batteries as it affects ion transport and safety performance. Herein, a novel class of separators fabricated from poly(vinyl alcohol) and heterometallic metal-organic frameworks, which affords a higher density of open bimetal sites, stronger complexation with anions, more porous structure, and enhanced thermal stability and electrolyte wettability is reported. The adoption of such separators substantially increases lithium-ion conductivity and lithium-ion transference number, leading to batteries with prolonged lifespan, improved low-temperature performance, and enhanced rate performance.