Insights into the use of polyepichlorohydrin polymer in lithium battery energy storage/conversion devices: review

• Published in: SN applied sciences 2023-01, Vol.5 (1), p.1-18, Article 7
• Main Authors: Amogne, Negese Yazie, Ayele, Delele Worku, Habtu, Nigus Gabbiye, Thothadri, Ganesh, Dagnew, Mehary
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied and Technical Physics; Batteries; Carbon; Cations; Chemical reactions; Chemical synthesis; Chemistry/Food Science; Chlorides; Conversion; Copolymers; Earth Sciences; Electrochemistry; Electrodes; Electrolytes; Energy storage; Engineering; Environment; Glass transition temperature; Lithium; Lithium batteries; Materials Science; Molten salt electrolytes; Plasticizing; Polyepichlorohydrin; Polyepichlorohydrins; Polymer blending; Polymers; Reinforcing; Review Paper; Solid electrolytes; Storage batteries; Storage systems; Substitution reactions; Sulfur; Transition temperatures
• ISSN: 2523-3963; 2523-3971
• DOI: 10.1007/s42452-022-05234-2

In this paper, the up-to-date state of polyepichlorohydrin-based electrolytes is reviewed. Research works are persistently ongoing to develop free-standing solid polymer electrolytes with exceptional performances and stabilities that can suit the needs of present and next-generation technologies. Polyepichlorohydrin (PECH), for example, is one of the polymer hosts under consideration due to its ether electron donor groups that deliver coordinating spots for cation transport as well as alkyl chloride groups for changing its surface character. Because of this structure, PECH has certain incredible characteristics including small glass transition temperature ( T g ), tremendous flexibility, as well as the power to form complexation with diverse salts. Furthermore, the alkyl chloride groups serve as a location for surface modification of the polymer via nucleophilic substitution reactions, resulting in surface changes or bulk properties. As a result, the PECH in chemically modified or pristine form is an emerging option that has been researched and is being considered for use in energy storage devices. This paper reviews the latest studies on the improvements of PECH-based electrolytes for lithium-based battery storage systems. The synthesis methods of PECH polymer, types of lithium batteries, and opportunities and challenges of lithium batteries have been presented briefly. Findings on PECH-based electrolytes have been presented and discussed thoroughly. Lastly, the paper presents, battery performance needs, and cation transportation mechanisms as well as future prospects for the advancement of PECH electrolytes in the field of storage systems. Article Highlights The alkyl chloride groups of polyepichlorohydrin polymer play a significant role in modifying the characteristics of the polymer through chemical reactions. The inherent characteristics of PECH-based polymers including their amorphousity, glass transition temperature, functionality, and others can be altered via chemical and physical means. The impressive electrochemical characteristics of PECH-based electrolytes make them a viable option for energy storage/conversion devices applications as electrolytes.