Bridging the gap between polymer electrolytes and inorganic glasses: Side group liquid crystal polymer electrolytes

We review the evidence indicating that ion transport can be decoupled from structural relaxations of the host material in polymer electrolytes. Partic ular emphasis is given to side group liquid crystal polymer electrolytes co nsisting of poly(ethylene oxide)-based backbones and pendent mesogenic grou ps. In salt complexes of these materials appreciable ionic conductivities a re observed below the glass transition temperature, Thus, truly solid polym er electrolytes have been obtained. Structural similarities are discussed b etween these materials and rigid polymers containing powerful ion solvating groups which also appear to exhibit a decoupled conductivity mechanism. Th e conductivity mechanism in solid polymer electrolytes is compared to that proposed for inorganic glasses.