Development of a PEO-based lithium ion conductive epoxy resin polymer electrolyte

• Published in: Solid state ionics Vol. 326; pp. 150 - 158
• Main Authors: Andrews, William T., Liebig, Andrew, Cook, Jeremy, Marsh, Porter, Ciocanel, Constantin, Lindberg, Gerrick E., Browder, Cindy C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.11.2018; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Compressive strength; Conductive epoxy resin; Electric properties; Electrolytes; Epoxy resins; Lithium ions; Mechanical properties; Molecular structure; Molten salt electrolytes; Organic chemistry; PEO polymer host; Personal computers; Polymer chemistry; Polymers; Solid electrolytes; Solid state; Solid state polymer electrolyte; Thermal conductivity; Ultimate tensile strength; Waste management; A86 energy research and environmental science; PEGDGE; A81 materials science; Solid state polymer electrolyte; Conductive epoxy resin; SPE; BPA; PEO polymer host; SSPE; B05 materials science for electrical and electronic engineering materials; LiTFSI; GPE; DGEBA; PACM; A66 transport properties of condensed matter (nonelectronic)
• ISSN: 0167-2738; 1872-7689
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssi.2018.09.013

Epoxy resins have a newly found role as polymer hosts in solid and gel polymer electrolyte systems. Originally sought for their mechanical properties, advantages also include high atom economy and minimal waste stream in their preparation. This report details solid state polymer electrolytes prepared with PEO-based epoxy resins cured with 4,4′-methylenebis(cyclohexylamine) and doped with a solution of lithium salts in PC. The resulting solid state polymer electrolyte has room temperature conductivity nearing 10−3 S cm−1 and notable mechanical strength (up to 970 kPa ultimate tensile strength and 2.6 MPa ultimate compressive strength). Chemical and thermal analyses give insight into the molecular structure and curing behavior of the solid state polymer electrolyte relative to lithium salt concentration as well as over time. The effects of salt solubility on composition and conductivity of the electrolyte are further elucidated through computational studies of ion behavior in a PEO membrane. •Solid-state polymer electrolyte with room temperature conductivity approaching 10−3 S cm−1•PEO-based epoxy resin serves as the electrolyte polymer host.•No waste stream in epoxy-based polymer electrolyte preparation•Lithium salts accelerate epoxy cure.