SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ABA BLOCK COPOLYMER-BASED POLYMER ELECTROLYTES

The synthesis and some of the properties of a novel ion-conducting polymer are described. The polymer, based on a styrene-butadiene-styrene ABA triblock copolymer has pendant, short-chain poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) grafted onto the B block. The concentration of PEO in the polymer can be controlled by varying either the number of pendant groups per molecule or the molecular weight of the PEO chain. The polymers were combined with LiCF//3SO//3 to form ion-conducting phases. The conductivities of films of these materials were found to be sensitive to preparation technique, and especially to casting solvent. The temperature dependence of the conductivity suggested that the materials were essentially amorphous over the range studied.