Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes based on poly(oxyethylene) and cellulose nanocrystals

Lithium-conducting nanocomposite polymer electrolytes based on high molecular weight poly(oxyethylene) (POE) were prepared from high aspect ratio cellulosic whiskers and lithium imide LiTFSI salt. The thermomechanical behavior of the resulting films was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The ionic conductivity and the electrochemical stability of the nanocomposite polymer electrolytes are quite consistent with the specifications of lithium batteries. The ionic mobilities were determined by pulsed magnetic field gradient NMR, and it was shown that the reinforcement does not affect the lithium transference number. High performance nanocomposite electrolytes based on tunicin whiskers were obtained. Indeed, the filler provides a high reinforcing effect, while a high level of ionic conductivity is retained with respect to unfilled polymer electrolytes.