New lithium-ion transporting polymers, suitable for use as solid electrolytes in lithium ion batteries have been developed based on controlling the dielectric properties of polymers and details of the polymer architecture.
Many lithium-transporting polymers, which could play a central role in the future of solid-state lithium batteries, suffer from poor lithium conductivity, even if the total conductivity could be high due to the counterions moving. MRSEC IRG-2 researchers have devised strategies to ensure that it is the lithium that moves, making these materials useful.
The results directly support the goals of IRG-2 as they use rational design principles to develop useful polymers that are inspired by ionic liquids.
