In this review, state-of-the-art polymer electrolytes are discussed with respect to their electrochemical and physical properties for their application in lithium polymer batteries. We divide polymer electrolytes into the two large categories of solid polymer electrolytes and gel polymer electrolytes (GPE). The performance requirements and ion transfer mechanisms of polymer electrolytes are presented at first. Then, solid polymer electrolyte systems, including dry solid polymer electrolytes, polymer-in-salt systems (rubbery electrolytes), and single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes, are described systematically. Solid polymer electrolytes still suffer from poor ionic conductivity, which is lower than 10−5 S cm−1. In order to further improve the ionic conductivity, numerous new types of lithium salt have been studied and inorganic fillers have been incorporated into solid polymer electrolytes. In the section on gel polymer electrolytes, the types of plasticizer and preparation methods of GPEs are summarized. Although the ionic conductivity of GPEs can reach 10−3 S cm−1, their low mechanical strength and poor interfacial properties are obstacles to their practical application. Significant attention is paid to the incorporation of inorganic fillers into GPEs to improve their mechanical strength as well as their transport properties and electrochemical properties.

Polymer electrolytes for lithium polymer batteries

A review on TiO2-based nanotubes synthesized via hydrothermal method: Formation mechanism, structure modification, and photocatalytic applications

Polymer composites and blends for battery separators: State of the art, challenges and future trends

Recent advances on separator membranes for lithium-ion battery applications: From porous membranes to solid electrolytes

TiO2 is a compound of great importance due to its remarkable catalytic and distinctive semiconducting properties. It is also a chemically stable, non-toxic and biocompatible material. Nano TiO2 is strong oxidizing agent with a large surface area and, hence, high photo-catalytic activities. With low production cost and a high dielectric constant, it is an inexpensive material. It can be prepared by diverse procedures such as solution and gas phase procedures. Nowadays, TiO2 is being used frequently for photo degradation of organic molecules and water splitting for hydrogen generation. Most important applications include purification, disinfection of waste water, self-cleaning coatings for buildings in urban areas and the production of the green currency of energy (hydrogen) by splitting water. The review describes the advances in the syntheses, properties and applications of TiO2 nano structures. Besides, efforts are also made to discuss the working mechanism and future challenges and perspectives.

/pdf/recent-advances-in-syntheses-properties-and-applications-of-36dc9desal.pdf

Recent advances in syntheses, properties and applications of TiO2 nanostructures

Conductivity and dielectric behaviour of PEO-based solid nanocomposite polymer electrolytes

Physico-chemical properties of titania nanotubes synthesized via hydrothermal and annealing treatment

article i nfo Polymer electrolytes; Thin film; Ionic conductivity; Thermal properties New composite polymer electrolytes (CPE) are prepared using solution-casting technique. The CPE are based on polyethylene oxide (PEO) and employ lithium hexafluorate (LiPF6) as the doping salt, ethylene carbonate (EC) as the plasticizer and amorphous carbon nanotubes (αCNTs) as the filler. The crystallinity and ionic con- ductivity of the CPE are examined in this work. The conductivity increases from 10 −10 to 10 −5 Sc m −1 upon the addition of salt. The incorporation of EC and αCNTs into the salted polymer enhances the conductivity significantly to 10 −4 and 10 −3 Sc m −1 . The Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher (VTF) plots suggest that the temperature dependence of conductivity is a thermally activated process. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) studies show that the melting transition temperature and crystallinity decrease upon the addition of salt, EC and αCNTs into the polymer electrolyte system. The complexation, nature and concentration of the various ionic species are examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning electron micros- copy (SEM) images show the changes in morphologies of the composite polymer electrolytes. The application of CPE especially in batteries and the advantages of this composite are highly conductive and stable at elevat- ed temperature.

Conductivity, thermal and infrared studies on plasticized polymer electrolytes with carbon nanotubes as filler

We report the synthesis of amorphous carbon nanotubes/silver (αCNTs/Ag) nanohybrids via simple chemical route without additional reactant and surfactant at low temperature. Field emission scanning microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) confirmed formation of CNTs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirmed the amorphous phase of carbon and the formation of Ag nanoparticles crystalline phase. Raman spectra revealed the amorphous nature of αCNTs. UV-visible spectroscopy showed enhancement of optical properties of αCNTs/Ag nanohybrids.

/pdf/synthesis-and-optical-enhancement-of-amorphous-carbon-2xhc8f423v.pdf

Ng Meng Nee

Papers

Conductivity and dielectric behaviour of PEO-based solid nanocomposite polymer electrolytes

Physico-chemical properties of titania nanotubes synthesized via hydrothermal and annealing treatment

Conductivity, thermal and infrared studies on plasticized polymer electrolytes with carbon nanotubes as filler

Synthesis and Optical Enhancement of Amorphous Carbon Nanotubes/Silver Nanohybrids via Chemical Route at Low Temperature