Author: Isabell Johansson
Title: Cycling of lithium batteries containing UV-crosslinked polyester-polycarbonate polymer electrolytes
Affiliation: Uppsala University
Abstract
The ionic conductivity of polymer electrolytes is dependent on operational temperature, and the performance can be improved by increasing the temperature of a battery cell, however this might result in the polymer becoming softer and more prone to short-circuit. If the mechanical properties of a solid polymer electrolyte are improved the battery will exhibit better cycling performance without the risk of short-circuit, and can even safely cycle for long periods of time.
The mechanical stability of a poly(caprolactone-co-trimethylenecarbonate) polymer electrolyte was improved by UV-induced crosslinking of the polymer in the presence of a photoinitiator and multifunctional acrylates. Through rheological measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the optimal values of mechanical stability and ionic conductivity was examined to produce cells with good mechanical stability and good cycling performance, resulting in cells which can cycle at 100 °C, at rates up to 2 °C.