Gelled Electrolyte Containing Phosphonium Ionic Liquids for Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this work, new gelled electrolytes were prepared based on a mixture containing phosphonium ionic liquid (IL) composed of trihexyl(tetradecyl)phosphonium cation combined with bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide [TFSI] counter anions and lithium salt, confined in a host network made from an epoxy prepolymer and amine hardener. We have demonstrated that the addition of electrolyte plays a key role on the kinetics of polymerization but also on the final properties of epoxy networks, especially thermal, thermo-mechanical, transport, and electrochemical properties. Thus, polymer electrolytes with excellent thermal stability (>300 degrees C) combined with good thermo-mechanical properties have been prepared. In addition, an ionic conductivity of 0.13 Ms.cm(-1) at 100 degrees C was reached. Its electrochemical stability was 3.95 V vs. Li-0/Li+ and the assembled cell consisting in Li vertical bar LiFePO4 exhibited stable cycle properties even after 30 cycles. These results highlight a promising gelled electrolyte for future lithium ion batteries.