Polarization behavior of lithium electrode in polymeric solid electrolytes

Abstract

Complexes of novel polymer matrices and lithium salts have been prepared as polymeric solid electrolytes for lithium batteries. Poly(ethylene oxide)—grafted poly(methylmethacrylate) (PEO—PMMA) and poly(methylsiloxane) (PMS) were used as the matrices. The conductance behavior of the complexes and the basic polarization characteristics of the lithium electrode in the polymeric electrolytes were studied. As high conductivities as 10 −3 S cm −1 were obtained at room temperature for the PMMA-based electrolytes containing some liquid plasticizer. Limiting current densities of 3 to 5 mA cm −2 were observed for the anodic and cathodic polarization of the lithium electrode. The transport number of Li + was approximately unity in ‘single-ion type’ PMS-based electrolyte, in which the polarization curve of the lithium electrode showed no current hysteresis.