Reciprocated suppression of polymer crystallization toward improved solid polymer electrolytes: Higher ion conductivity and tunable mechanical properties

Sheng Bi, Che Nan Sun, Thomas A. Zawodzinski, Fei Ren, Jong Kahk Keum, Suk Kyun Ahn, Dawen Li, Jihua Chen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Solid polymer electrolytes based on lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide and polymer matrix were extensively studied in the past due to their excellent potential in a broad range of energy related applications. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) are among the most examined polymer candidates as solid polymer electrolyte matrix. In this work, we study the effect of reciprocated suppression of polymer crystallization in PVDF/PEO binary matrix on ion transport and mechanical properties of the resultant solid polymer electrolytes. With electron and X-ray diffractions as well as energy filtered transmission electron microscopy, we identify and examine the appropriate blending composition that is responsible for the diminishment of both PVDF and PEO crystallites. A three-fold conductivity enhancement is achieved along with a highly tunable elastic modulus ranging from 20 to 200 MPa, which is expected to contribute toward future designs of solid polymer electrolytes with high room-temperature ion conductivities and mechanical flexibility.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1450-1457
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Polymer Science, Part B: Polymer Physics
Volume53
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 15 2015

Keywords

  • TEM
  • blends
  • crystallization
  • ion conductivity
  • polymer crystallization
  • reciprocated suppression
  • solid polymer electrolytes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Reciprocated suppression of polymer crystallization toward improved solid polymer electrolytes: Higher ion conductivity and tunable mechanical properties'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this