Flexible solvent-free polymer electrolytes for solid-state Na batteries

Post-lithium batteries, based on alkaline and alkaline earth elements, are cheaper technologies with the potential to produce disruptive changes in the transition towards cleaner and sustainable energy sources less dependent on fossil fuels. This contribution deals with the development and characterization of sodium-conducting solvent-free polymer electrolytes towards the attainment of Sodium Polymer Batteries. Obtained via the polycondensation of alpha, omega-dihydroxy-oligo(oxyethylene) with an unsaturated dihalide, whose further curing leads to amorphous networked electrolyte films. Using NaClO4 and NaCF3SO3 at different O/Na ratios, the best polymer electrolyte reaches a cationic conductivity (sigma+) exceeding 1 mS cm-1 at 90 degrees C whereas maintaining mechanical integrity up to at least 120 degrees C.

Automated summary

Post-lithium batteries based on alkaline and alkaline earth elements are cheaper technologies that have the potential to disrupt the transition towards cleaner and sustainable energy sources with less dependence on fossil fuels. This study focuses on the development and characterization of solvent-free polymer electrolytes for sodium polymer batteries. The polymer electrolyte, obtained through polycondensation, shows excellent cationic conductivity exceeding 1 mS cm-1 at 90 degrees C and maintains mechanical integrity up to at least 120 degrees C.