Ionic Conduction through Block Copolymer Gyroidal Networks

As interest continues to grow into the effect of morphology on ion conduction, numerous efforts have been made to better characterize the unique structures found within block copolymer phase space. Of these phases, the gyroid phase possesses a unique triply periodic structure which allows for complete connectivity throughout real space. Furthermore the gyroid phase uniquely self orients both in lab and in nature to present the [110] plane. Here we demonstrate the use of a poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-ethylene oxide) + carbonaceous additive system which allows for the creation of gyroid scaffolds with an active volume of over 80%. By shrinking the thickness to the thin film regime, we can fully analyze the morphology including grain boundaries to understand their effect on ionic conduction. Highly interdigitated electrodes are used to measure the conductivity in situ.