Block copolymer electrolytes for rechargeable lithium batteries

• Published in: Journal of polymer science. Part B, Polymer physics Vol. 52; no. 1; pp. 1 - 16
• Main Authors: Young, Wen-Shiue, Kuan, Wei-Fan, Epps, III, Thomas H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, NJ Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2014; Wiley; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Block copolymers; Electrical, magnetic and optical properties; electrolyte; Electrolytes; energy; Exact sciences and technology; Ionic conductivity; Lithium batteries; lithium battery; morphology; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Nanostructure; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; poly(ethylene oxide); Properties and characterization; salt-doping; Self assembly; block copolymers; State of the art; Electrical conductivity; ionic conductivity; Electrical properties; lithium battery; Polymer solid electrolyte; Mechanical properties; nanostructure; salt-doping; Domain structure; Morphology; Lithium compound; Property structure relationship; poly(ethylene oxide); Block copolymer; electrolyte; energy
• ISSN: 0887-6266; 1099-0488
• DOI: 10.1002/polb.23404

ABSTRACT Ion‐conducting block copolymers (BCPs) have attracted significant interest as conducting materials in solid‐state lithium batteries. BCP self‐assembly offers promise for designing ordered materials with nanoscale domains. Such nanostructures provide a facile method for introducing sufficient mechanical stability into polymer electrolyte membranes, while maintaining the ionic conductivity at levels similar to corresponding solvent‐free homopolymer electrolytes. This ability to simultaneously control conductivity and mechanical integrity provides opportunities for the fabrication of sturdy, yet easily processable, solid‐state lithium batteries. In this review, we first introduce several fundamental studies of ion conduction in homopolymers for the understanding of ion transport in the conducting domain of BCP systems. Then, we summarize recent experimental studies of BCP electrolytes with respect to the effects of salt‐doping and morphology on ionic conductivity. Finally, we present some remaining challenges for BCP electrolytes and highlight several important areas for future research. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1–16 Ion‐conducting block copolymers are promising materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. The ability of block copolymers to self‐assemble into ordered nanostructures offers an opportunity to design materials with combined mechanical strength and ionic conductivity for battery applications. The effects of salt doping and morphology on ionic conductivity are discussed in this review article to provide a better understanding of the ion‐transport mechanism in nanostructured polymer electrolytes, giving guidance to researchers for the development of novel battery materials.