Recent progress in solid polymer electrolyte technologies

The use of plasticizers in polyether-based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) has become a viable approach to increasing room-temperature ionic conductivity. A review of SPE technologies indicates that the selection of an appropriate plasticizer can yield major performance improvements otherwise unlikely to be achieved. However, some of the plasticizers proposed may have detrimental effects on the interfacial impedance and cycle life of SPE-based rechargeable lithium batteries. Recent results obtained from a new group of compounds suitable for use as plasticizers for low- and high-temperature applications are reported. These compounds have been selected and designed for their compatibility with polyether, their low mobility, and their good solvating properties of lithium salts. The plasticizers have low vapor pressure and are thermally stable up to >150 degrees C. Electrolyte solutions made of the plasticizer and lithium salt showed high ionic conductivity at room temperature. >