New class of single-ion-conducting solid polymer electrolytes derived frompolyphenols

New polyphenols containing ether substituents have been prepared by enzymat ic polymerization of the corresponding phenol monomers. The polyphenols wer e reacted with lithium hydroxide to obtain lithium polyphenolates (LPF-1 an d LPF-2) which have been characterized as a new class of lithium ion source s for rechargeable lithium batteries. A number of solid polymer electrolyte s were prepared by mixing these salts with a high molecular weight poly(eth ylene oxide). High ionic conductivities were observed for the electrolytes derived from lithiated polyphenol containing pendant triethylene glycol mon omethyl ether groups.