Characterization of PVdF-HFP polymer membranes prepared by phase inversion techniques I. Morphology and charge–discharge studies

• Published in: Electrochimica acta 2003-06, Vol.48 (14), p.2143-2148
• Main Authors: Manuel Stephan, A., Teeters, Dale
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Charge–discharge studies; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Morphology; Nanoparticles; Nanopores; Phase inversion; Solid-state reaction
• ISSN: 0013-4686; 1873-3859
• DOI: 10.1016/S0013-4686(03)00197-X

A novel nanoporous polymer membrane comprised of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) co-polymer was prepared by phase inversion techniques using two different non-solvents. The films were subjected to scanning electron microscope (SEM) and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis. The morphology and porosity of the membranes are correlated with the chemical structure of the non-solvents used. Also, nanoparticle LiCr 0.01Mn 1.99O 4 cathode material was prepared by solid-state reaction followed by ball milling. The prepared samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The charge–discharge behavior of lithium cells made from the coupling of the nanoporous polymer membrane with the LiCr 0.01Mn 1.99O 4 nanoparticle cathode was studied. The cathode nanoparticles resulting from ball milling were found to be more important in enhanced cell performance than the nanostructure of the nanoporous polymer membranes.