A highly conductive quasi-solid-state electrolyte based on helical silica nanofibers for lithium batteries.

The replacement of flammable liquid electrolytes by inorganic solid ones is considered the most effective approach to enhancing the safety of Li batteries. However, solid electrolytes usually suffer from low ionic conductivity and poor rate capability. Here we report a unique quasi-solid-state electrolyte based on an inorganic matrix composed of helical tubular silica nanofibers (HSNFs) derived from the self-assembly of chiral low-molecular-weight amphiphiles.