In this study, poly(arylene ether)sulfones (PAES) based polymers have been synthesized and used as separators and solid polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries. Phase inversion methods were carried out to cast porous polymer membranes. This separators exhibit non-flammability and high electrochemical stability of > 6 V (vs. Li/Li+), proving this material as an interesting candidate for electrolytes and membranes in lithium-ion batteries (LIB).
In order to use PAES polymers as polymer electrolyte membranes (salt in polymer blends), a plasticizer was necessary; due to its high glass transition temperatures (Tg) (201 °C). Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) was added in polyethylene oxide (PEO) with different plasticizers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEG-DME) and succinonitrile (SN) to form a conductive membrane. Furthermore, the effect of those plasticizers were further investigated to select the proper plasticizer for PAES-based membranes. It turned out, that PAES polymers display the highest ionic conductivity in combination with 75wt% of PEG-DME. To further decrease the Tg and increase the ionic conductivity of the membrane, three different synthesis approaches were carried out, by tailoring the PAES backbone with PEO. The resultant co-polymers are end-cap PAES-PEOMe, linear PAES-PEO and comb shaped PAES-PEOMe. All of them result in reduced Tg (72 °C, 51 °C, 55 °C respectively) and also maintain the high thermal stability of the PAES completely (up to ~400 °C).

In this study, poly(arylene ether)sulfones (PAES) based polymers have been synthesized and used as separators and solid polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries. Phase inversion methods were carried out to cast porous polymer membranes. This separators exhibit non-flammability and high electrochemical stability of > 6 V (vs. Li/Li+), proving this material as an interesting candidate for electrolytes and membranes in lithium-ion batteries (LIB).
In order to use PAES polymers as polymer electrolyte membranes (salt in polymer blends), a plasticizer was necessary; due to its high glass transition temperatures (Tg) (201 °C). Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) was added in polyethylene oxide (PEO) with different plasticizers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEG-DME) and succinonitrile (SN) to form a conductive membrane. Furthermore, the effect of those plasticizers were further investigated to select the proper plasticizer for PAES-based membranes. It turned out, that PAES polymers display the highest ionic conductivity in combination with 75wt% of PEG-DME. To further decrease the Tg and increase the ionic conductivity of the membrane, three different synthesis approaches were carried out, by tailoring the PAES backbone with PEO. The resultant co-polymers are end-cap PAES-PEOMe, linear PAES-PEO and comb shaped PAES-PEOMe. All of them result in reduced Tg (72 °C, 51 °C, 55 °C respectively) and also maintain the high thermal stability of the PAES completely (up to ~400 °C).

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