Thermoplastic Structural Electrolytes
Topic(s) : Special Sessions
Co-authors :
Elia CHIMONIDES (UNITED KINGDOM), Emiliano BILOTTI , Emile GREENHALGH (UNITED KINGDOM)Abstract :
In the emerging field of ‘Structural Power Composites’, remarkable strides are underway in designing and fabricating devices which act as structural materials that also have energy storage capabilities. A paramount challenge lies in the development of a structural electrolyte, primarily due to the inherent difficulty in striking a balance between high ionic conductivity and mechanical performance [1].
In the past, structural electrolytes created by blending epoxy with an Ionic Liquid (IL) (e.g. EMIM-TFSI) have been successfully presented [1]. A promising avenue for future development is to transition from a thermoset-based polymer matrix to a thermoplastic (TP) polymer electrolyte. Thermoplastics, in general, demonstrate superior toughness and damage tolerance compared to thermosets. These attributes empower devices crafted from thermoplastics to effectively bear loads and resist deformation. Additionally, thermoplastics typically offer commendable chemical stability and improved recyclability, fostering the production of more sustainable devices.
Within this research we will demonstrate the initial strategy for manufacturing these structural electrolytes obtained by melt blending the ionic liquid with the thermoplastic using a micro-extruder. By varying the ratio of thermoplastic to ionic liquid, it is possible to tune the electrochemical and mechanical performance of resulting blended electrolytes. Beginning with thermoplastics featuring processing temperatures not exceeding 200 ℃ serves as a cost-effective and efficient starting point. Importantly, while the flashpoint of EMIM-TFSI is cited as 337.5 ℃ [2], reference [3] highlights the potential emergence of potentially flammable decomposition products as low as 280 ℃ for this IL.
An alternative approach that will be presenting involves the creation of porous thermoplastic films subsequently backfilled with IL. Particular attention will be provided into studying the optimal porosity necessary for electrical and mechanical performance. Porous TP based electrolytes opens avenues for employing high-performance thermoplastics (HPTPs) such as PEEK, as the thermoplastic is initially processed separately from the IL. Consequently, concerns regarding flammable decomposition products diminish, and HPTPs undoubtedly offer enhanced structural performance.
Incorporating thermoplastics into structural power composites could revolutionize the field, bringing us one step closer to greener, lighter and more sustainable technology.
In the past, structural electrolytes created by blending epoxy with an Ionic Liquid (IL) (e.g. EMIM-TFSI) have been successfully presented [1]. A promising avenue for future development is to transition from a thermoset-based polymer matrix to a thermoplastic (TP) polymer electrolyte. Thermoplastics, in general, demonstrate superior toughness and damage tolerance compared to thermosets. These attributes empower devices crafted from thermoplastics to effectively bear loads and resist deformation. Additionally, thermoplastics typically offer commendable chemical stability and improved recyclability, fostering the production of more sustainable devices.
Within this research we will demonstrate the initial strategy for manufacturing these structural electrolytes obtained by melt blending the ionic liquid with the thermoplastic using a micro-extruder. By varying the ratio of thermoplastic to ionic liquid, it is possible to tune the electrochemical and mechanical performance of resulting blended electrolytes. Beginning with thermoplastics featuring processing temperatures not exceeding 200 ℃ serves as a cost-effective and efficient starting point. Importantly, while the flashpoint of EMIM-TFSI is cited as 337.5 ℃ [2], reference [3] highlights the potential emergence of potentially flammable decomposition products as low as 280 ℃ for this IL.
An alternative approach that will be presenting involves the creation of porous thermoplastic films subsequently backfilled with IL. Particular attention will be provided into studying the optimal porosity necessary for electrical and mechanical performance. Porous TP based electrolytes opens avenues for employing high-performance thermoplastics (HPTPs) such as PEEK, as the thermoplastic is initially processed separately from the IL. Consequently, concerns regarding flammable decomposition products diminish, and HPTPs undoubtedly offer enhanced structural performance.
Incorporating thermoplastics into structural power composites could revolutionize the field, bringing us one step closer to greener, lighter and more sustainable technology.