Synthesis and Design of Silica-Based Single-Ion Conducting Nanoparticles via Sol-Gel Reaction and Free Radical Polymerization

Abstract

Although the commercial lithium ion battery based on a liquid electrolyte has proven to be an efficient energy storage system, its energy density will reach the uppermost limit, and using liquid electrolytes can also cause safety issues such as inflammability, fire, and explosion. Solid polymer electrolytes could offer a perfect solution to substitute for liquid electrolytes owing to their low flammability and good electrochemical stability. But, they have reached limitations such as low lithium transference number, low mechanical properties. We have synthesized and designed silica aerogel-based new type single-ion conductor, where anionic polymers are attached to the silica back bone, thereby allowing the only lithium cations move, by a free radical polymerization and sol-gel reaction. The synthesized silica aerogel, having a high surface area and a vinyl group, is then combined with monomers because vinyl groups allowing polymerization with various ionomers. Monomers of various types were introduced to silica aerogel back bone and the mechanism of ionic conductivity was studied while controlling the variables of the system.