Physical and chemical properties of nanocomposite polymer electrolytes

The physical and chemical properties of a new class of lithium conducting p olymer electrolytes formed by dispersing ceramic powders at the nanoscale p article size into a poly(ethylenoxide) (PEO)- lithium salt, LiX complexes, are reported and discussed. These true solid-state PEO-LiX nanocomposite po lymer electrolytes have in the 30-80 degrees C range an excellent mechanica l stability (due to the network of the ceramic fillers into the polymer bul k) and high ionic conductivity (promoted by the high surface area of the di spersed fillers). These important and unique properties are accompanied by a wide electrochemical stability and by a good compatibility with the lithi um electrode (assured by the absence of any liquids and by the interfacial stabilizing action of the dispersed filler), all this making these nanocomp osite electrolytes of definite interest for the development of advanced rec hargeable lithium batteries.