Application of polyacrylonitrile-based polymer electrolytes in rechargeable lithium batteries

• Published in: Journal of solid state electrochemistry 2008, Vol.12 (7-8), p.873-877
• Main Authors: Perera, K. S., Dissanayake, M. A. K. L., Skaarup, S., West, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed Matter Physics; Electrochemistry; Energy Storage; Original Paper; Physical Chemistry
• ISSN: 1432-8488; 1433-0768
• DOI: 10.1007/s10008-007-0479-x

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based polymer electrolytes have obtained considerable attention due to their fascinating characteristics such as appreciable ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures and mechanical stability. This study is based on the system PAN–ethylene carbonate (EC)–propylene carbonate (PC)–lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF 3 SO 3 ). The composition 15 mol% PAN–42 mol% EC–36 mol% PC–7 mol% LiCF 3 SO 3 has shown a maximum room temperature conductivity of 1.2 × 10 −3  S cm −1 . Also, it was possible to make a thin, transparent film out of that composition. Cells of the form, Li/PAN–EC–PC–LiCF 3 SO 3 /polypyrrole (PPy)–alkylsulfonate (AS) were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and continuous charge–discharge tests. When cycled at low scan rates, a higher capacity could be obtained and well-defined peaks were present. The appearance of peaks elucidates the fact that redox reactions occur completely. This well proves the reason for higher capacity. The average specific capacity was about 43 Ah kg −1 . Cells exhibited a charge factor close to unity during continuous charging and discharging, indicating the absence of parasitic reactions.