Mechanical and electrochemical studies on polymer electrolytes dispersed with nanofillers

Abstract

Magnesium based rechargeable batteries are of much interest because of their newlineperformance capabilities are close to the lithium based systems. Apart from the fact that the newlinemagnesium metal is stable, abundant and more cost effective than lithium, it possesses high newlinevolumetric capacity of 3,833 mA h cm-3 and electrochemical reduction potential (-2.37 V newlinewith respect to SHE (Standard Hydrogen Electrode)). Despite the advantages, the newlinedevelopment of rechargeable magnesium batteries has been retarded mainly due to the newlineirreversibility of the magnesium negative electrode and the lack of proper magnesium ion newline(Mg2+) conducting nonaqueous electrolyte. Thus, the improvement of Mg2+ conductor, newlinepreferably at solid state has been a key issue to realize the rechargeable magnesium batteries. newlineThe development of a solid state magnesium battery depends on the choice of suitable newlinehost polymer matrix. The ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) have potential newlineapplication in rechargeable batteries because of their solid-like nature, improved newlineelectrochemical and thermal stability, absence of leakage, miniaturization and moldability for newlinebetter transportation. SPE have many advantages like high specific energy, solvent free newlinecondition, wide electrochemical stability window, light weight and ease of processability. newlineHowever, the ionic conductivity has not attained an appreciable value at room temperature newlineand further poor mechanical strength limits the usage of self standing electrolytes. Various newlinetechniques have been employed to enhance the conductivity at room temperature and newlinemechanical strength of the solid polymer electrolyte. One of the common approaches is to newlineadd plasticizer which leads to a high ambient conductivity. However, the plasticizer newlinedeteriorates the mechanical properties of electrolytes. Alternatively, the incorporation of newlineinorganic fillers is an attractive approach to improve the mechanical stability and ionic newlineconductivity. newline