Lithium-ion batteries are widely used due to their high power density, rechargeability, and long life span. Improving lithium-ion batteries is essential for providing more options for renewable energy and alternatives to fossil fuels. Current lithium-ion batteries rely on a liquid electrolyte solution, involving a flammable small molecule organic solvent. Additionally, this liquid electrolyte solution is prone to dendritic growth which can lead to short circuiting and explosions. A possible solution to this issue is the incorporation of a solid, ion conducting polymer to replace the flammable liquid electrolyte solution found in current batteries. In order to be a competitive option, a solid polymer needs to show comparable conductivity to the current standard for lithium-ion batteries. The polymer studied in this work has an oxanorbornene dicarboxide backbone with an ethylene oxide side chain (17 units). It was synthesized and subsequently characterized using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with added lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI). In order to maximize conductivity in regards to salt concentration, seven LiTFSI concentrations were tested, from 5% (w/w) and 50% (w/w) LiTFSI. The poly(ONDI-17) polymer showed increased conductivity with respect to previously synthesized and characterized poly(ONDI-12).

Characterizing conductivity of a solid polymer electrolyte with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.