Systematic computational and experimental investigation of lithium-ion transport mechanisms in polyester-based polymer electrolytes

Michael A. Webb, Yukyung Jung, Danielle M. Pesko, Brett M. Savoie, Umi Yamamoto, Geoffrey W. Coates, Nitash P. Balsara, Zhen Gang Wang, Thomas F. Miller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

178 Scopus citations

Abstract

Understanding the mechanisms of lithium-ion transport in polymers is crucial for the design of polymer electrolytes. We combine modular synthesis, electrochemical characterization, and molecular simulation to investigate lithiumion transport in a new family of polyester-based polymers and in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Theoretical predictions of glasstransition temperatures and ionic conductivities in the polymers agree well with experimental measurements. Interestingly, both the experiments and simulations indicate that the ionic conductivity of PEO, relative to the polyesters, is far higher than would be expected from its relative glass-transition temperature. The simulations reveal that diffusion of the lithium cations in the polyesters proceeds via a different mechanism than in PEO, and analysis of the distribution of available cation solvation sites in the various polymers provides a novel and intuitive way to explain the experimentally observed ionic conductivities. This work provides a platform for the evaluation and prediction of ionic conductivities in polymer electrolyte materials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)198-205
Number of pages8
JournalACS Central Science
Volume1
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 22 2015
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering

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