This technology is a method for manufacturing gel-type polymer electrolytes that maximizes lithium-ion mobility by reducing the crystallinity of the polymer. It induces intermolecular and intramolecular crosslinking of polyethylene glycol (PEG) through exposure to radiation, such as gamma or electron beams, without the need for separate crosslinking agents.
High-molecular-weight polyethylene oxide (PEO), commonly used in existing polymer electrolytes, has high crystallinity, which restricts the segmental motion of lithium ions and results in low ionic conductivity at room temperature. Conversely, low-molecular-weight PEO faces physical instability issues, as it tends to liquefy when combined with lithium salts.
This technology involves dissolving PEG in a solvent and exposing it to radiation to form chemical crosslinks, which suppresses crystallinity. By doping the material with lithium salts, it achieves a gel electrolyte that possesses both high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength at room temperature. This electrolyte can be applied to all-solid-state batteries, lithium secondary batteries, and thin-film polymer electrolytes, supporting the design of leak-proof solid-state cells through a clean process that leaves no crosslinking agent residues.
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