Physical and Electrochemical Properties of MgAl2O4-Incorporated Polymer Electrolytes Composed of Poly(ethylene oxide) and LiClO4

The physical and electrochemical properties of a new class of lithium ion conducting polymer electrolytes formed by incorporating MgAl2O4 as filler into poly(ethylene oxide) - LiClO4 complex are reported and discussed. The MgAl2O4-incorporated polymer electrolytes exhibited higher ionic conductivity and mechanical strength than those with filler-free membranes. These unique properties are accompanied by a good compatibility with lithium electrodes. The membranes were also subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetry (TG) and Fourier Transform-infrared (FT-IR) analyses. The lithium surface upon contact with polymeric membranes was analyzed by FT-IA by single internal reflection mode. Using the technique the formation of Li3MgAlO4 on the lithium surface was identified.