The effect of receptor-polymer matrix compatibility on properties of PEO-based polymer electrolytes containing a supramolecular additive: Part 1. Studies on phenomenon of compatibility

This paper presents the results of studies of poly(ethylene oxide)-based solid polymer electrolyte with the addition of anion receptor. The main stress is put on the influence of the anion receptor-polymeric matrix compatibility on the morphology of the composite. The comparison of the properties of two supramolecular compounds (calix[4]arene derivatives) having identical groups active in anion coordination in the narrow rim but with wide rim modified by groups having structure non-compatible and compatible to poly(ethylene oxide), is analyzed. The research of the system is made by means of vibrational (both IR and Raman) spectroscopies to evaluate the anion receptor-polymer–salt interactions. Raman and EDS mapping are used to determine the local concentration of the additive and salt. DSC and XRD determine the membrane crystallinity. Imaging techniques (both SEM and polarized light micrographs) allow to observe the morphology of membrane surface. The presented results show that additive distribution depends on the type of the receptor used and the phase of the polymer matrix (amorphous or crystalline).