Synthesis and characterization of conjugated poly (amino benzyl alcohol) and poly (ethylene glycol) for solid polymer electrolyte

A solid polymer electrolyte chemically bonded to a π-conjugated polymer was prepared for the use as a designed ladder-type structure by the graft copolymerization of poly (aminobenzyl alcohol) (PABA) with poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG). PABA was used as the frame for the ladder and the PEG as the rungs. The expected synergic effect afforded by the introduction of the ionic salts into the crosslinked conjugated polymer and PEG network was investigated as a function of its structure, morphology, and ionic conductivity. The insertion of the ionic salts into the PABA–PEG–PABA network led to the enhancement of the ionic conductivity compared to that of PEG/LiClO4. The synergic effect may be explained by the more efficient segmental motion of the polymer chains or better ion mobility in the network due to the interrupted crystallization of the PEG chains. The fine tuning of the crosslinked conjugated polymer gel might enable it to show a faster response to electrochemical stimuli.

► Graft copolymerization of π-conjugated polymer and poly (ethylene glycol).
► Designed ladder-type solid polymer electrolyte.
► Synergic effect of π-conjugated structure and ionic salts.