Study of novel lithium salt-based, plasticized polymer electrolytes

The results of a preliminary investigation of a series of polymer electrolytes based on a novel polymer host, poly(trimethylene carbonate) (p(TMC)), with lithium triflate or lithium perchlorate and various plasticizing additives, are described in this presentation, Electrolytes with lithium salt compositions of about n = 10 (where n represents the molar ratio of (O=COCH2CH2CH2O) units per lithium ion) and additive compositions between 5 and 15 wt.% (with respect to p(TMC)), were prepared by co-dissolution of salt and polymer in anhydrous solvent with a controlled amount of additive. The homogeneous solutions obtained were evaporated within a preparative glovebox and under a dry argon atmosphere to form thin films of electrolyte.

The solvent-free electrolyte films produced were characterized by measurements of total ionic conductivity, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. In general the triflate-based electrolytes were found to show moderate ionic conductivity and good thermal stability while perchlorate-based electrolytes showed higher levels of conductivity but lower thermal stability. Electrolytes based on this host polymer, with both lithium salts, were obtained as very flexible, transparent, completely amorphous films. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.