Structure, transport properties and interfacial stability of PVdF/HFP electrolytes containing modified inorganic filler

Gel polymer electrolyte membranes composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) and surface modified aluminum or titanium oxide were prepared according to the so-called Bellcore process. Modifications were done by impregnating ceramic powder with 1-8% sulphuric acid aqueous solutions. Filler grain size varied from 10 to 12 mu m. The membranes were conditioned in liquid electrode-1 mol/1 LiClO4 in PC. The ionic conductivity of polymer membrane increased by more than one order of magnitude upon the addition of filler into polymer host. For electrolyte membrane containing modified aluminum or titanium oxide, the interfacial resistance is stable in time as opposed to unmodified gel electrolytes. An increase in lithium transference number is observed upon the addition of filler. Lithium transference number also increases with the fraction of acidic surface groups. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.