Preparation of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(methyl methacrylate) membranes by novel electrospinning system for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

AbstractFibrous membranes of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PVdF/PMMA) were fabricated by electrospinning method with different concentrations of polymer solution: 14, 16, and 18 wt %. The morphology of the electrospun membranes was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The images revealed that the nanofibers showed uniform diameter and no bead formation was observed with the concentration of 16 wt %. Also, the structure, crystallinity, ionic conduction, and electrochemical stability of the electrospun membranes were characterized. The results suggested that electrolyte uptake, ionic conduction, and electrochemical stability were improved by the addition of PMMA. Furthermore, with the 16 wt % concentration of the polymer solution, the membrane showed a high ionic conductivity of 3.5 mS cm−1 at room temperature and electrochemical stability of up to 5.1 V. We predicted that this new method may be very promising for preparing microporous PVdF/PMMA polymer electrolytes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.