Synthesis of Polyhydroxy Urethane Network Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes from Bio-Sourced Carbonates and Amines

Abstract

Climate change is a harsh but ultimate reality, impacting every corner of the globe. This stresses the strong emphasis on the need for clean renewable energy with safe storage technology, particularly batteries. Solid-state batteries are of great interest owing to their higher energy density, flexibility and safety than the existing lithium-ion batteries technology. While there is constantly increasing research on polyethylene oxide (PEO) based polymers, we aim at PEO alternatives that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. In our project, we demonstrate a bio-derived solid polymer electrolyte based on functionalized carbonated soybean oil (CSBO) monomer for the synthesis of polyhydroxy urethanes (PHUs) network. This class of materials shows remarkable adhesive properties on the surface of lithium speculating better interfacial contact and stability. All these polymers reinforced with LITFSI were characterized following standard electrochemical measurements exhibiting decent ionic conductivity (>10-2 mS cm-1 ), electrochemical stability window (> 4 V vs Li/Li+ ) and transport properties allowing them to be explored for commercial cathodes like LiFePO4. We hope to provide a promising direction for developing bio-derived solid electrolytes to facilitate progress in a sustainability, cost-effective and safe manner towards solid-state lithium batteries for global utilization.