Block copolymers exhibiting simultaneous electronic and ionic conduction for use in lithium battery electrodes

A block copolymer system that can demonstrate both electronic and ionic conductivity is analyzed for its performance in rechargeable lithium batteries. Here, the electrically active polymer is poly(3-hexylthiophene), while poly(ethylene oxide) is used as the lithium ion conductor. This block copolymer is then mixed with LiFePO$_{4}$ and used as the cathode material. Other components in the battery include a lithium metal anode and poly(styrene)-\textit{block}-poly(ethylene oxide) (SEO) as the solid electrolyte. Lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI) is utilized to facilitate ionic conductivity in both the electrolyte and the cathode. The synthesis of the block copolymer and its device performance in rechargeable lithium metal batteries will be presented.