Efficient Transport Networks in a Dual Electron/Lithium-Conducting Polymeric Composite for Electrochemical Applications
Author(s)
McDonald, Michael
Hammond, Paula T
Date Issued
April 2018
Journal
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Citation
McDonald, Michael B. and Paula T. Hammond. "Efficient Transport Networks in a Dual Electron/Lithium-Conducting Polymeric Composite for Electrochemical Applications." ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 10, 18 (April 2018): 15681–15690 © 2018 American Chemical Society
Version
Author's final manuscript
Abstract
In this work, an all-functional polymer material composed of the electrically conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) and lithium-conducting poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) was developed to form a dual conductor for three-dimensional electrodes in electrochemical applications. The composite exhibits enhanced ionic conductivity (∼10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹) and, counterintuitively, electronic conductivity (∼45 S cm⁻¹) with increasing PEO proportion, optimal at a monomer ratio of 20:1 PEO:PEDOT. Microscopy reveals a unique morphology, where PSS interacts favorably with PEO, destabilizing PEDOT to associate into highly branched, interconnected networks that allow for more efficient electronic transport despite relatively low concentrations. Thermal and X-ray techniques affirm that the PSS-PEO domain suppresses crystallinity, explaining the high ionic conductivity. Electrochemical experiments in lithium cell environments indicate stability as a function of cycling and improved overpotential due to dual transport characteristics despite known issues with both individual components.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Chemical Engineering
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DOI of Published Version
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b01519
