Structural evolution and conductivity of PEO:LiBF4-MgO composite electrolytes

This paper explores and proposes a structure-conductivity correlation in the PEO:LiBF4-MgO composite electrolyte system. The proposed correlation is derived from interpretations of DSC and conductivity measurements. Thermal cycling in the 0-100 degreesC range yields an amorphous polymer structure believed to be beneficial for enhanced conductivity. The proposed roles of MgO are to depress the PEO melting temperature and retard the kinetics of its crystallization. A resistivity relaxation or conductivity enhancement below the melting temperature of PEO (68 degreesC) occurs, which appears to be a characteristic of these electrolytes and related to an interaction of dipoles associated with polymer chains and MgO. A higher concentration (similar or equal to 30%) of MgO leads to its segregation and reduction in conductivity resulting from crystallization of PEG. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.