PVC–PMMA composite electrospun membranes as polymer electrolytes for polymer lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Composite nanofibrous membranes based on poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC)–poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were prepared by electrospinning and then they were soaked in liquid electrolyte to form polymer electrolytes (PEs). The introduction of PMMA into the PVC matrix enhanced the compatibility between the polymer matrix and the liquid electrolyte. The composite nanofibrous membranes prepared by electrospinning involved a fully interconnected pore structure facilitating high electrolyte uptake and easy transport of ions. The ion conductivity of the PEs increased with the increase in PMMA content in the blend and the ion conductivity of the polymer electrolyte based on PVC–PMMA (5:5, w/w) blend was 1.36 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 25 °C. The polymer electrolyte based on PVC–PMMA (5:5, w/w) blend presented good electrochemical stability up to 5.0 V (vs. Li/Li+) and good interfacial stability with the lithium electrode. The promising results showed that nanofibrous PEs based on PVC–PMMA were of great potential application in polymer lithium-ion batteries.