@article{Zhu2026, 
author = {Qian-Nan Zhu and Kang-Rui Ren and Jun-Yao You and Zhen-Han Xie and Hai Su and Yan-Bing He},
title = {Supramolecular ligands enable efficient ion transport in solid-state lithium batteries},
year = {2026},
journal = {Energy Materials and Devices},
volume = {4},
number = {2},
pages = {9370096},
keywords = {PVDF composite solid electrolyte, Li-salt dissociation, crown ether, Li+ transport, solid-state lithium battery},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/EMD.2026.9370096},
doi = {10.26599/EMD.2026.9370096},
abstract = {The development of poly(vinylidene fluoride)-based composite solid-state electrolytes is severely hindered by slow Li+ transport and unstable solid-state electrolyte interphases. This study addresses these challenges by proposing a supramolecular ligand intervention strategy using 18-crown-6 as an additive. Coordination between the large-pore crown ethers and Li+ promotes lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide dissociation and increases the free Li+ concentration, thereby enhancing ion transport with a high ionic conductivity and an improved Li+ transference number. Moreover, this coordination homogenizes the Li+ flux, suppressing side reactions and dendrite formation. Consequently, the modified electrolyte significantly enhances the cycling stability of Li||Li cells up to 800 h with a reduced overpotential. Additionally, the Li||NCM811 cells delivered 84.2% capacity retention after 2500 cycles at 10C, and retained 72.5% capacity after 780 cycles even at a high cut-off voltage of 4.5 V at 5C. Structural and interfacial characterizations confirmed the formation of a dense LiF/Li3N-rich SEI layer, which enhances mechanical strength and ionic transport. This study provides a robust modification approach using supramolecular ligands to achieve high-performance solid-state lithium-metal batteries.}
}