Gel electrolytes from co-substituted oligoethyleneoxy/trifluoroethoxy linear polyphosphazenes

Four new co-substituted linear phosphazene polymers have been synthesized w ith controlled ratios of oligoethyleneoxy (MEEP-type) and trifluoroethoxy s ide groups. The polymers were synthesized as models for gel electrolyte sys tems with more dimensional stability than can be achieved by MEEP-type elec trolytes alone. The conductivity is significantly influenced by the ratios of the two side groups and by the concentration of small-molecule organic a dditives. Insights are suggested into the mechanism of ionic conduction wit hin polyphosphazene gels. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BN. All rights su reser ved.