Nano lithium aluminate filler incorporating gel lithium triflate polymer composite: Preparation,characterization and application as an electrolyte in lithium ion batteries

Gel polymer composites electrolytes containing nano LiAlO₂ as filler were prepared using a solution cast technique and characterized using different techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal analysis (TG, DSC), Fourier transform infra – red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). X-ray diffraction analysis showed the effect of lithium tri fluoro methane sulphonate (LiCF₃SO₃), poly vinyl acetate (PVAc) and nano lithium aluminate (LiAlO₂) on the crystalline structure of the poly vinylidene fluoride –co– hexa fluoro propylene (PVDF-co-HFP) matrix containing ethylene carbonate (EC) and diethyl carbonate (DEC) as plasticizers. FT-IR analysis confirmed both the good dissolution of the LiCF₃SO₃ salt and the good interaction of the nano LiAlO₂ filler with the polymer matrix. TG analysis showed the good thermal stability of the LiAlO₂ samples compared to the free one. Also, addition of nano LiAlO₂ filler enhanced the conductivity value of the polymer composites electrolytes. The sample containing 2 wt% of LiAlO₂ showed the highest conductivity value, 4.98 × 10⁻³ Ω ⁻¹ cm⁻¹ at room temperature, with good thermal stability behavior (T_d = 362 °C). This good conductive and thermally stable polymer nano composite electrolyte was evaluated as a promising membrane for lithium ion batteries application.