Abstract: Polymer electrolytes incorporating PS-PEO block copolymers, PXE additives, and lithium salts provide improved physical properties relative to PS-PEO block copolymers and lithium salt alone, and thus provide improved battery performance.

Abstract: Syntheses of alternating copolymers based on PEO and fluorinated polymers are described. Introduction of fluorinated polymer chains reduces the Tm of PEO and also increases the affinity and miscibility with ionic liquids, which improves ionic conductivity even at room temperature. The disclosed polymers containing PFPE have superior safety and are more flame retardant as compared to traditional electrolytes. Such alternating copolymers can be used as solid or gel electrolytes in Li batteries.

Abstract: In a solid-state lithium-metal/sulfur-based battery cell, barriers to sulfur and polysulfide diffusion are included in or used as an ionically conductive electrolyte in the cathode or separator layers. During operation of the battery, the barrier materials are positioned to either 1) rapidly react with any free sulfur or lithium polysulfide species that are generated, forming stable carbon-sulfur bond(s) and preventing further migration of the sulfur or polysulfide species or 2) prevent the formation and diffusion of elemental sulfur or free lithium polysulfide species. Regardless of the identity of the sulfur/polysulfide species, the sulfur-containing species is prevented from diffusing to the anode and causing capacity fade and higher internal resistance to ion flow.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: Polymer electrolytes incorporating PS-PEO block copolymers, PXE additives, and lithium salts provide improved physical properties relative to PS-PEO block copolymers and lithium salt alone, and thus provide improved battery performance.

Abstract: A class of polymeric phosphorous esters can be used as binders for battery cathodes. Metal salts can be added to the polymers to provide ionic conductivity. The polymeric phosphorous esters can be formulated with other polymers either as mixtures or as copolymers to provide additional desirable properties. Examples of such properties include even higher ionic conductivity and improved mechanical properties. Furthermore, cathodes that include the polymeric phosphorous esters can be assembled with a polymeric electrolyte separator and an anode to form a complete battery.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: Perfluoropolyether electrolytes terminated with polar substituents such as cyclic carbonates show enhanced ionic conductivities when formulated with lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide, making them useful as electrolytes for lithium cells.

Abstract: Perfluoropolyether electrolytes terminated with polar substituents such as dimethylurethanes show enhanced ionic conductivities when formulated with lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide, making them useful as electrolytes for lithium cells.

Abstract: Electrode assemblies for use in electrochemical cells are provided. The negative electrode assembly includes negative electrode active material and an electrolyte chosen specifically for its useful properties in the negative electrode. Such properties include reductive stability and ability to accommodate expansion and contraction of the negative electrode active material. Similarly, the positive electrode assembly includes positive electrode active material and an electrolyte chosen specifically for its useful properties in the positive electrode. These properties include oxidative stability and the ability to prevent dissolution of transition metals used in the positive electrode active material. A third electrolyte can be used as separator between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. A cell is constructed with a cathode that includes a fluorinated electrolyte which does not penetrate into the solid-state polymer electrolyte separator between it and the lithium-based anode.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: A polymer to be used as a binder for sulfur-based cathodes in lithium batteries that includes in its composition electrophilic groups capable of reaction with and entrapment of polysulfide species. Beneficial effects include reductions in capacity loss and ionic resistance gain.

Abstract: A novel solid block copolymer electrolyte material is described. The material has first structural polymer blocks that make up a structural domain that has a modulus greater than 1×107 Pa at 25° C. There are also second ionically-conductive polymer blocks and a salt that make up an ionically-conductive domain adjacent to the structural domain. Along with the second ionically-conductive polymers, there is also a crosslinked network of third polymers, which interpenetrates the ionically-conductive domain. The third polymers are miscible with the second polymers. It has been shown that the addition of such an interpenetrating, crosslinked polymer network to the ionically-conductive domain improves the mechanical properties of the block copolymer electrolyte with no sacrifice in ionic conductivity.