| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/N64731/01 |
| Title: |
NEW LOW-DIMENSIONAL POLYMER ELECTROLYTE LI+ CONDUCTORS IN DC AND AC FIELDS AND IN BATTERY CONFIGURATIONS |
| Principal Investigator: |
Wright, Professor PV |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Materials Science and Engineering |
| Organisation: |
University of Sheffield |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 October 2000 |
Ends: |
30 September 2003 |
Value (£): |
192,599
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Energy Storage |
Materials Synthesis & Growth |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Abstracts Conductivities of 10-4 to 2 x 10-3 S cm-1 at 20-30oC are observed in blends of amphiphilic helical polyethoxides bearing n-alkyl (C16) side chains (I) with polytetrahydrofuran copolymers (II) and lithium salts by both AC impedance spectroscopy and DC polarisation between Li electodes. The latter reveals an isothermal self-tracking process whereby the conductivities increase with time from ca. 10-6 to ca. 10-3 cm-1. Mechanisms involving ion redistributions to a new steady-state and morphological reorganisation of the helical orientations to lie normal to the electrodes are tentatively proposed. Orientation of II by applying shear could also promote lateral orientation of I. It is proposed to optimise mixing, composition, morphology (orientation) and stability of the blends with respect to electrical properties by synthesising interfacial polymers (I and II covalently connected), investigating the influence of shear, stoichiometric composition, ionophobic 'spacers' and various Li salts on mixing and morphology. Molecular dynamics modelling will be carried out alongside structural studies. DC polarisation experiments will be performed over a range of potentials and in conjunction with AC to investigate instability of the Dc steady-state and conductivity relaxations in AC fields. Electrolytes will be evaluated in lithium batteries with composite cathodes incorporation lithium metal oxide ceramics.
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Key Findings |
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.shef.ac.uk |