Mesoporous Organosilica as Lithium Single-Ion Conducing Nanoparticle in Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes

We have synthesized mesoporous silica-based lithium single-ion conducting nanoparticles containing weak-binding imide (SO₂NSO₂CF₃^-) anions with lithium counterions and co-grafting solvating oligo-poly(ethylene glycol) (CH₂CH₂O)_6-9 chains. These nanoparticles are then introduced into poly(ethylene oxide) matrix, allowing us to prepare nanocomposite polymer electrolytes. The principal focus of this presentation is on the insight about our understanding of ion and polymer dynamics of the single-ion Li conducting nanocomposite polymer electrolytes. We use various experimental methods (SAXS, FE-SEM, TEM, and BET) to check the microstructure, pore size, and surface area of the mesoporous nanoparticles. The ionic conductivity, storage module, lithium transference number of the nanocomposite polymer electrolytes are also investigated using dielectric spectroscopy, oscillatory shear, DC polarization/AC impedance. Understanding experimental observations in these materials provides useful insights for the design of single-ion conductors for energy applications.