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Thesis
Holographically Polymerized Poly(Ethylene Oxide) Network As Solid Polymer Electrolytes
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Jun 2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-6913
Abstract
The current generation has become increasingly concerned with the dangers posed by fossil fuels and have therefore turned their attention to clean energy technologies, such as electrochemical batteries and solar cells as suitable alternatives. Lithium-based batteries have emerged as the most promising energy storage for use in personal devices, transportation and general energy storage. Current lithium batteries are referred to as 'rocking chair' batteries due to the presence of lithium in its ionic rather than metallic state. These batteries are safe for commercial use, however, they severely cut into lithium's high specific capacitance properties. Consumer demands for higher battery energy densities and faster charging rates are driving research for lithium-metal batteries. Potential safety concerns arise with current liquid electrolytes in lithium-metal batteries due problematic lithium dendrite growth in the cell. Liquid electrolytes do little to prevent dendrite growth, which will eventually cause short-circuiting and possible volatile reactions. Solid polymer electrolytes have been proven to prevent dendrite growth by providing a physical barrier between the electrodes. Advancements in polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) are necessary to increase the potential for fuel cells, batteries, and solar conversion devices. Increasing the mechanical properties to create a mechanically robust film has a direct tradeoff of reducing ion transport and conductivity. This research is focused on decoupling ionic conductivity and mechanical properties to form a phase separated membrane capable of inhibiting dendrite growth. Holographic polymerization was used as a topdown technique to create a nanostructure with highly conductive rich phases, as well as mechanically robust phases. A new formulation has been proposed that utilizes a photo-inert low molecular poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) which has the main mechanism for ionic conductivity. A crosslinked network composed of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and photoreactive PEO monomers provide the mechanical support. The mechanical and conductive properties of the phase-separated films were investigated and compared with isotropic floodlit samples. The films were shown to show exceptional low temperature conductivity and the mechanical and conductive properties were successfully decoupled through the use of holographic polymerization.
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Details
- Title
- Holographically Polymerized Poly(Ethylene Oxide) Network As Solid Polymer Electrolytes
- Creators
- Kevin T. Bazzel - DU
- Contributors
- Christopher Y. Li (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xv, 133 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Materials (Science and) Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) [Historical]; College of Engineering (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 6913; 991014632714904721