Polyethylene Oxide-Based Gel Membrane Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries

Abstract

A new gel polymer electrolyte has been prepared by entrapping a sufficient amount of non-aqueous lithium salt solution into a crosslinked polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrix. The morphology of this electrolyte was studied by both DSC and scanning electron microscopy, which revealed no crystallinity from -100 o to 120 o C and nearly a pore-free surface. Cyclic voltammetry was performed to obtain the electrochemical stability of the gel electrolytes, while an ionic conductivity of 1.826×10 -3 S/cm was observed by complex impedance measurement. The flexible and strong texture of the matrix showed acceptable mechanical properties suitable for fabrication of secondary lithium-ion batteries.