Novel PEO-based dendronized polymers for lithium-ion batteries

A new family of dendronized polymers has been synthesized by functionalizing ethylene oxide-epichlorohydrin copolymer with aromatic ether dendrons based on 3,5-dibenzyl ether. The polymers were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and tested for possible application as an electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries. The polymer with increased size of dendritic residue exhibited improved ionic conductivity and excellent thermal stability. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were performed to determine the thermal stability and crystallinity of the polymeric material. Incorporation of bulky dendritic pendent moieties into the polymer backbone effectively breaks down the crystallinity of these polymers. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.