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Updated: May 4, 2026
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Layer-by-layer Synthesis and Transfer of Freestanding Conjugated Microporous Polymer Nanomembranes
Published on: December 15, 2015
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High-modulus, high-conductivity nanostructured polymer electrolyte membranes via polymerization-induced phase
Morgan W Schulze1, Lucas D McIntosh, Marc A Hillmyer
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and ‡Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0431, United States.
Nano Letters
|December 17, 2013
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to create advanced polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs). These materials offer high conductivity and mechanical strength, crucial for next-generation batteries and fuel cells.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Solid-state polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) face a trade-off between mechanical properties and ionic conductivity.
- Enhancing modulus, toughness, and high-temperature stability often compromises ionic performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile synthetic strategy for nanostructured PEMs with improved mechanical and conductive properties.
- To overcome the limitations of current PEMs for energy storage and conversion applications.
Main Methods:
- A one-pot polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS) strategy was employed.
- Heating a poly(ethylene oxide) macromolecular chain transfer agent with ionic liquid, styrene, and divinylbenzene.
- Formation of bicontinuous PEMs with interpenetrating nanodomains.
Main Results:
- Achieved ionic conductivities exceeding the 1 mS/cm benchmark.
- Demonstrated an elastic modulus approaching 1 GPa at room temperature.
- Maintained robust solid-state properties above 100 °C with significantly higher conductivity.
Conclusions:
- The PIPS strategy yields PEMs with an unprecedented combination of high modulus and ionic conductivity.
- These novel PEMs show great promise for advancing lithium-ion battery technology, particularly with lithium metal anodes.
- The materials are suitable for high-temperature fuel cell applications.
