Role of the polymer matrix in determining the chemical–physical and electrochemical properties of gel polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries

Abstract

Gel polymer polymer membranes, prepared by immobilizing lithium-conducting solutions in a polymer matrix, are promising electrolyte materials for promoting the advancement of the lithium battery technology. However, so far, not much attention has been devoted to the definition of the role of the constituents in determining the properties of these electrolytes. In this work we have examined the characteristics of three common examples of polymer electrolytes based on a poly(vinylidene fluoride)-fluoropropylene, poly(vinyilidene fluoride)–hexa-fluoropropylene copolymer matrix. The three selected electrolytes differed from the nature of their polymer matrix. The results, based on X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and conductivity tests, show that, indeed, the type of the polymer matrix may influence the properties of the electrolytes, especially in terms of conductivity.