Increasing the energy density of rechargeable lithium batteries is a goal of considerable significance.1,2 While most of the efforts thus far have focused on the energy producing components of the battery,1-7 i.e. the active components in the electrodes that participate in the energy-producing redox reactions, improvements in the non-energy-producing battery components are essential if these targets are to be met.  Current lithium-ion batteries contain several non-energy-producing components: (1) a liquid electrolyte to transport ions between the electrodes, (2) a polymeric separator to prevent contact between the electrodes, (3) an inactive polymer that binds the active particles in the electrodes, (4) an electronic conductor such as carbon to conduct electrons within the electrode, and (5) current collectors that deliver electrons to the external circuit.   The non-energy producing components account for about 50% of the mass of a weight of a lithium battery.  The purpose of this paper is to describe the synthesis and performance of a polymeric binder that simultaneously delivers both ions and electronic charge to active centers.

Block copolymers with simultaneous ionic and electronic conduction for use in lithium battery cathodes as electrolyte

245th National Meeting (2013)

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