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Project Title: Solid Self-Assembled polymer electrolyte nanoarchitectures for flexible batteries
Principle Investigator(s): Peter Kofinas (Bioengineering)
Abstract: In recent years, the interest in polymeric batteries has increased dramatically. With the advent of lithium batteries used in cell phones and laptop computers, the search for an all solid state battery has continued. Current configurations have a liquid or gel electrolyte between the anode and cathode. This leads to problems with electrolyte loss and decreased performance over time.
Polymer electrolytes are more compliant than conventional inorganic glass or ceramic electrolytes.
The goal of this research is to investigate novel nanoscale polymer electrolyte flexible thin films based on the self-assembly of block copolymers. Casting of the synthesized polymer from solvent results in a self-assembled flexible nanocomposite structure with high ionic conductivity and high lithium ion transference. The ease of processing a polymer electrolyte would allow the production of thin film nanoscale self-assembled flexible batteries that could be wound into coils or processed as coatings and sheets. A solid polymer electrolyte based on the nanoscale self-assembly of block copolymers will provide devices with integrated electronics, yet distributed over a large area substrate as freestanding flexible films or coatings. The active circuit components would be directly integrated on the flexible substrate.
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