Polymer composite electrolyte of SPSU(Na)/PPEGMA/hBN for sodium-ion batteries

Abstract

Polymer composite electrolyte based on polysulfone-sodium sulfonate (SPSU(Na)) blended with poly (polyethylene glycol methacrylate) (PPEGMA) using nano-sized hexagonal boron nitride (nano-hBN) as filler was fabricated using a solution casting technique for use in Na-ion batteries. Polysulfone was sulfonated by a post sulfonation method followed by ion exchange with sodium hydroxide. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study SPSU(Na)/PEGMA blend and incorporation of hBN nanoparticle into the SPSU(Na)/PPEGMA blend. Thermal properties of the composites were studied with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry tests. X-ray diffraction was used to study phase change. The TGA curve showed two weight loss regions, where 30% weight loss occurred between 200°C and 350°C due to degradation of sulfonic acid groups, and the polymer backbone degradation occurs above 500°C. Surface morphology of the membranes was examined using scanning electron microscopy which reveals the homogeneous dispersion of the nano-hBN particles in the polymer matrix. Ionic conductivity was studied with impedance spectroscopy and the total ionic conductivity increases with increasing PPEGMA ratio. SPSU(Na)/PPEGMA(1:4) sample showed maximum ion conductivity of approximately 5.5 × 10−6 S cm−1 (5.5 × 10−4 S m−1) at 100°C because of the high content of PPEGMA.

Electrochemical and thermal properties of polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites for energy storage applications

“…The replacement of liquid electrolytes with non-aqueous thin films of polymer electrolytes offers numerous advantages to battery technologies. 1,2 The main advantage of polymer electrolytes lies in their free-standing ability. 3 Ionic conductivity, mechanical strength and interfacial stability of polymer electrolytes can be enhanced by incorporating nanofillers in the polymer electrolyte.…”