Design and Synthesis of New Polymeric Ionic Conduction Materials

This project addresses advanced materials known as polyphosphazenes, and their design and synthesis. These electrically conductive polymers could be used in energy storage devices and lightweight rechargeable batteries. Material characterization (glass transition temperature, adhesion to metals and dimensional stability) as well as ionic conductivities will be evaluated. In addition, molecular characterization, including gel permation chromotography, and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy will be conducted to identify molecular weights and distributions and side groups respectively. To examine the interaction of a polymeric electrolyte and an electrode metal, and between the traces of water in electrolyte and the electrode, preliminary experiments will be conducted using electron microscopy techniques. These interactions are a deciding factor in limiting the lifetimes of batteries over many cycles of charge and discharge.