Novel microporous poly(vinylidene fluoride)-graft-poly(tert-butyl acrylate) electrolytes for secondary lithium batteries

BACKGROUND: Much interest has recently been shown in improving the performance of lithium-ion polymer batteries with gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) due to a rapid expansion in industrial demand. Novel GPEs based on poly(vinylidene fluoride)-graft-poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PVDF-g-tBA) microporous mats are suggested in this study. RESULTS: Microfibrous polymer electrolytes were prepared using electrospinning and characterized for extent of grafting, morphology, crystallinity, electrochemical stability, ionic conductivity, interfacial resistance and cell cycleability. The degree of crystallinity was lower for tBA-grafted PVDF mats than that of neat PVDF. The PVDF-g-tBA showed an improvement in the ionic conductivity, electrochemical stability, interfacial resistance and cyclic performance. CONCLUSION: The tBA-grafted PVDF microporous electrolytes are promising candidates for enhancing the performance of lithium-ion polymer batteries. (C) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry