Poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone)-based hybrid polymer electrolyte for lithium metal batteries

• Published in: Journal of membrane science 2020-07, Vol.607, p.118132, Article 118132
• Main Authors: Zuo, Cai, Chen, Gong, Zhang, Yong, Gan, Huihui, Li, Shaoqiao, Yu, Liping, Zhou, Xingping, Xie, Xiaolin, Xue, Zhigang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Hybrid polymer electrolyte; Lithium metal batteries; poly(ε-caprolactone); Thiol-ene photopolymerization
• ISSN: 0376-7388; 1873-3123
• DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2020.118132

The novel hybrid triblock polymer electrolytes (HTPEs) with the high mechanical strength were fabricated via initiator-free thiol-ene photopolymerization of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based crosslinker and thiol-terminated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-SH). Incorporation of PCL segment in the cross-linked network of HTPEs was endowed to not only promote the flexibility and mechanical properties, but also enhance the ionic conductivity in a wide temperature range and lithium-ion transference number. Moreover, HTPE20 fabricated via thiol-ene reaction of POSS-SH and PCL-based macromolecular crosslinking agent (PCL20-PEG-PCL20-DMA) exhibited good thermal stability up to 283 °C with 5% decomposition of the polymer matrix and 9.57 MPa of tensile strength. Notably, the Li/HTPE20/LiFePO4 possessed good reversible specific capacity and considerable rate capability. [Display omitted] •PCL-based hybrid triblock polymer electrolyte.•Initiator-free thiol-ene photopolymerization.•Polymer electrolytes with network structure.•Excellent flexibility with excellent mechanical properties.