Synthesis and characterization of a new network polymer electrolyte containing polyether in the main chains and side chains

A new network polymer electrolyte matrix with polyether in the side chains and main chains was synthesized by the azo-macroinitiator method and urethane reaction. The macroinitiator, polymer and network polymer were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and 1H NMR. FT-IR was also used to study the environment of lithium ions doped in these network polymer electrolytes. Three important groups are considered: N–H, carbonyl, and ether groups. The thermal properties of the polymer electrolytes were measured by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The Tg value of this polymer is less than that of a general comb-like polymer. Added lithium ions interact with the oxygen atoms on ether groups, causing the Tg of the polymer electrolyte to increase. Moreover, the interaction between lithium ions and ether groups decreases the decomposition temperature of the polymer. The conductivity measured by AC impedance reached a maximum of 10−4 S cm−1. A plot of conductivity vs. temperature fit the Vogel–Tamman–Fulcher equation, indicating that ionic mobility in this network polymer electrolyte is coupled to segmental chain movements.