High-performance gel-type lithium electrolyte membranes

Battery-grade solution products have been used for the synthesis of new typ es of poly(acrylonitrile) PAN-based polymer electrolyte membranes. Basicall y, two classes of membranes have been prepared differing by the type of lit hium salt in the ethylene carbonate-dimethyl carbonate (EC-DMC) solution tr apped in the PAN matrix, i.e. LiPF6, or LiC(CF3SO2)(3) lithium methide salt , respectively. The results demonstrate that both classes of membranes have high conductivity and very good chemical and electrochemical stability. Th ese unique characteristics make the membranes suitable for applications in high-voltage, rechargeable lithium batteries. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A . All rights reserved.