New Network Polymer Electrolytes Based on Ionic Liquid and SiO₂ Nanoparticles for Energy Storage Systems.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes offer potential for advanced energy storage devices.
• Understanding electro-mass transfer processes is crucial for optimizing electrolyte performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine elementary electro-mass transfer processes in a novel nanocomposite polymer electrolyte system.
• To characterize the properties and potential applications of these new electrolytes.

Main Methods:

• Pulse field gradient, spin echo NMR spectroscopy
• High-resolution NMR
• Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
• Isothermal calorimetry
• IRFT spectroscopy
• Differential scanning calorimetry
• Temperature gravimetric analysis
• Quantum-chemical modeling

Main Results:

• The nanocomposite polymer gel electrolytes, comprising PEGDA, LiBF4, EMIBF4, and SiO2 nanoparticles, were successfully synthesized and characterized.
• Conductivity values reached 10^-4 S cm^-1 at -40 °C, 10^-3 S cm^-1 at 25 °C, and 10^-2 S cm^-1 at 100 °C.
• Quantum-chemical modeling revealed an advantageous mixed adsorption process of ions on SiO2 nanoparticles, forming charged surface layers.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanocomposite polymer electrolytes demonstrate favorable conductivity and ion adsorption characteristics.
• These electrolytes show promise for applications in lithium power sources and supercapacitors.
• Preliminary tests of a lithium cell with an organic electrode were successful over 110 charge-discharge cycles.