Mechanical Stabilization of Solid Polymer Electrolytes through Gamma Irradiation

• Attaining sufficient mechanical stability is a challenge for high-performance solid polymer electrolytes, particularly at elevated temperatures. We have here characterized the viscoelastic properties of the nonpolyether host material poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-trimethylene carbonate) with and without incorporated LiTFSI salt. While this electrolyte material performs well at room temperature, at 80 degrees C the material is prone to viscous flow. Through gamma-irradiation at a dose of 25 kGy, the material stabilizes such that it behaves as a rubbery solid even at low rates of deformation while retaining a high ionic conductivity necessary for use in solid-state Li batteries. The performance of the irradiated electrolyte was investigated in Li polymer half-cells (Li vs. LiFePO4) at both 80 degrees C and room temperature. In Contrast with the notably stable battery performance at low temperatures using the non-irradiated material, during cycling of the irradiated electrolytes detrimental instabilities were noted at both 80 degrees C and room temperature. The possible effects of both radiation damage to the electrolyte and impaired interfacial contacts due to the crosslinking indicate that a different procedure may be necessary in order to stabilize these electrolytes for use in battery cells capable of stable long-term operation.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

polymer electrolytes

crosslinking

lithium batteries

mechanical properties

gamma irradiation

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