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Nano-segregated polymeric film exhibiting high ionic conductivities
Kenji Kishimoto1, Tomoyuki Suzawa, Tomoki Yokota
1Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|November 3, 2005
Summary
Researchers developed novel nanostructured polymer films for enhanced ion conduction. These materials efficiently transport lithium triflate ions, showing promise for advanced battery technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Nanostructured materials offer unique properties for ion and charge transport.
- Developing efficient polymeric ion conductors is crucial for energy storage applications.
- Existing materials often face limitations in conductivity and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a new design strategy for creating highly conductive polymeric ion conductors.
- To fabricate and characterize novel nano-segregated polymer films for lithium triflate transport.
- To investigate the relationship between nanostructure and ionic conductivity.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a liquid crystalline monomer with tetra(ethylene oxide) (TEO) chains grafted from a rigid aromatic core.
- In-situ photopolymerization of the aligned monomer to create nano-segregated structures.
- Measurement of ionic conductivity using electrochemical techniques at various temperatures.
- Characterization of the polymer's thermal properties, including glass transition temperature.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated nano-segregated polymer films with alternating mobile TEO layers and rigid aromatic cores.
- Achieved ionic conductivity of 10^-3 S cm^-1 parallel to the layers at room temperature.
- Observed a maximum ionic conductivity of 10^-2 S cm^-1 at 150 degrees C.
- Demonstrated anisotropic ionic conductivity due to the aligned nanostructure.
Conclusions:
- The developed nano-segregated polymer films represent a promising strategy for high-performance ion conductors.
- The preservation of TEO mobility post-polymerization is key to achieving high ionic conductivity.
- The anisotropic nature of the conductivity offers potential for directional ion transport applications.
