Photoinduced free radical polymerization of thermoset lithium battery electrolytes

By Willgert, Markus; Kjell, Maria H.; Jacques, Eric; Behm, Mà¥rten; Lindbergh, Göran & Johansson, Mats
Published in European Polymer Journal NULL 2011

Abstract

Series of solid poly(ethylene oxide)-methacrylate electrolytes have successfully been manufactured with an aim to serve in a multifunctional battery both as mechanical load carrier as well as lithium ion conductor. The electrolytes produced, in a solvent free process with no post cure swelling, hold a broad range of both mechanical as well as ion conducting properties. The monomer and Li-salt mixtures have been irradiated with UV light, initiating free radical polymerization to obtain solid smooth, homogenous specimens to be utilized as ion conducting electrolytes. The storage modulus at 20 °C is ranging from 1 MPa to almost 2 GPa. The conducting ability of the electrolyte ranges from 5.8 X 10-10 up to 1.5 X 10-6 S/cm. These large variations in both mechanical properties as well as ionic conductivity are discussed, but also the versatility within the production technique is emphasized.

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