Preparation and characterization of a semi‐interpenetrating network gel polymer electrolyte

Abstract

AbstractPoly(PEG200 maleate) was synthesized as a new type crosslinkable prepolymer and the semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) gel electrolytes were prepared by means of thermal polymerization. Their intrinsic properties were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffractions (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, alternating current impedance (AC impedance), and linear sweep voltammetry. The prepared polymer hosts are transparent and have good mechanical properties. The results of DSC and XRD confirm that the prepared hosts are in amorphous state and they can hold enough liquid electrolytes, which is favorable for Li+ ions to transport via both the absorbed liquid electrolyte and the gel of the entire systems. The semi‐IPN gel electrolytes exhibit high ionic conductivity on the order of 10−3 S cm−1. Their electrochemical stability up to +4.6 V against Li+/Li also makes them potential candidates for application as polymer electrolytes in devices. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008