Effect of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether plasticizer on ionic conductivity of cross-linked poly[siloxane-g-oligo(ethylene oxide)] solid polymer electrolytes

Cross-linked network solid polymer electrolytes were prepared by means of in situ hydrosilylation between poly[hydromethylslioxane-g-oligo(ethylene oxide)] and diallyl or triallyl group-containing poly(ethylene glycols). The conductivities of the resulting polymer electrolytes were greatly enhanced upon the addition of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEGDME) as an ion-conducting plasticizer. Conductivities of the cross-linked polymer electrolytes were more dependent on the molecular weight of PEGDME than on the cross-linkers. The maximum conductivity was found to be 5.6 x 10(-4) S/cm at 30 degreesC for the sample containing 75 wt% of PEGDME (M-n = 400). These electrolytes exhibited electrochemical stability up to 4.5 V against the lithium reference electrode. We observed reversible electrochemical plating/stripping of lithium on the nickel electrode.