UV-cured methacrylic membranes as novel gel–polymer electrolyte for Li-ion batteries

In this paper, we report the synthesis and characterisation of novel methacrylic based polymer electrolyte membranes for lithium batteries. The method adopted for preparing the solid polymer electrolyte was the UV-curing process, which is well known for being easy, low cost, fast and reliable. It consists of a free radical photo polymerisation of poly-functional monomers: Bisphenol A ethoxylate (15 EO/phenol) dimethacrylate (BEMA) was chosen, as it can readily form flexible 3D networks and has long poly-ethoxy chains which can enhance the movement of Li+-ions inside the polymer matrix. The preliminary results reported here refer to systems where LiPF6 solutions swelled the preformed polymer membranes.The tests on the conductivity, stability and cyclability of the membranes put in evidence the importance of the polymerisation in presence of mono-methacrylates acting as reactive diluents. Good values of ionic conductivity have been found, especially at ambient temperature. Much better results can be expected by choosing an appropriate mono-methacrylate to modify the polymeric membrane properties and by modifying the methodology of Li+-ions incorporation inside the polymer matrix.