Plastic crystal–solid biopolymer electrolytes for rechargeable lithium batteries

• Published in: Journal of membrane science 2014-10, Vol.468, p.149-154
• Main Authors: Taib, Nur Umira, Idris, Nurul Hayati
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Displays; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Electrolytes; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Imides; Ionic conductivity; Lithium; Lithium batteries; Lithium rechargeable battery; Membranes; Plastic crystal; Rechargeable batteries; Solid polymer electrolyte; Succinonitrile
• ISSN: 0376-7388; 1873-3123
• DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2014.06.001

In this paper, solid polymer electrolytes consisting of chitosan, lithium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (LiTFSI) as a salt and succinonitrile as a plastic crystal are prepared by using the solution casting method. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is used to examine the ionic conductivity of the films at the temperature range of 303–383K. Chitosan–LiTFSI containing 50wt% succinonitrile exhibits high ionic conductivity at a room temperature of 0.4×10−3Scm−1, a high lithium ion transference number (0.598) and wide electrochemical window. The solid polymer electrolyte with LiFePO4 as a cathode displays a stable discharge capacity of 160mAhg−1 for up to 50 cycles at a current density of 17mAg−1. The results demonstrate the potential for the solid polymer electrolyte system to be used as an electrolyte in lithium rechargeable batteries. •Chitosan–LiTFSI films with different succinonitrile ratio were prepared using solution cast technique.•The ionic conductivity of chitosan–LiTFSI films at room temperature were improved with the addition of succinonitrile.•The improved ionic conductivity was attributed to the high lithium ions transference number value.•The cell shows wide electrochemical window and excellent electrochemical performances.