Plasticized polymer electrolyte membranes based on PEO/PVdF-HFP for use as an effective electrolyte in lithium-ion batteries

Plasticized polymer electrolytes were prepared using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoro propylene) (PVdF-HFP) with lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) and different plasticizers. XRD and FTIR spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the structure and the complexation of plasticizer with the host polymer matrix. The role of interaction between polymer hosts and plasticizer on conductivity is discussed using the results of alternating current (a.c.) impedance studies. TG-DTA and SEM were used for thermal and physical characterizations. Maximum ionic conductivity (3.26 × 10_?4 S·cm_?1) has been observed for ethylene carbonate (EC)-based polymer electrolytes. Electrochemical performance of the plasticized polymer electrolyte is evaluated in LiFePO₄/plasticized polymer electrolytes (PPEs)/Li coin cell. Good performance with low capacity fading on charge discharge cycling is demonstrated.