Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes for the Lithium Power Sources (a Review)

Abstract

Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes represent a perspective class of polymer electrolytes for electrochemical devices in which nanodisperse filler is introduced to the “solvating matrix + lithium salt” base composition. This three-section paper reviews studies devoted to the preparing and investigating of different types of novel nanocomposite polymer electrolytes for lithium power sources carried out for the last 15 years. Its first section is devoted to the solid nanocomposite polymer electrolyte consisting of polyethylene oxide, lithium salt, and nanodisperse filler (Al₂O₃, TiO₂, SiO₂, etc.); the second section, to nanocomposite polymer membranes based on the polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene that can be used as a substitute for inert polyolefine separator of polypropylene, polyethylene, or their alternating layers. It is this type of the nanocomposite polymer electrolytes that is the most perspective one; the great majority of publications are dedicated to this electrolyte. The third section of the review covers the studies of the nanocomposite polymer electrolytes based on different polymers, oligomers, and co-polymers prepared by different methods. Nanoparticles of Al₂O₃, TiO₂, SiO₂, ZnO, MgO, Fe₃O₄, Ca₃(PO₄)2, ZrO₂, clay, ferroelectric ceramics SrBi₄Ti₄O₁₅, a compound SO₄^2-–ZrO₂, molecular sieves, nanochitin, etc., are discussed as possible additives to the nanocomposite polymer electrolytes. The reference list contains 101 items.