Effect of Ion Solvation Strength on the Nanoscopic Structure of Single-Ion Conducting Polymer Blend Electrolytes

The growing demand for advanced battery technology has positioned solid-state batteries as a leading alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. In this context, Single Ion Conducting Polymer Blend Electrolytes (SIPBEs) have emerged as a promising electrolyte candidate; however, their electrochemical performance has yet to meet established benchmarks. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the nanoscopic structure of SIPBEs is essential to accurately predict their phase behavior and ion transport mechanisms. In this presentation, I will explore the physical properties of a novel class of SIPBEs, which are generated by blending polyethylene oxide (PEO) with a anion-containing methacrylate polymer, (P(MTFSI-X)). Ion-exchange was conducted on P(MTFSI-X) to investigate the influence of K⁺, Mg²⁺, Li⁺, Ca²⁺ ions on the nanostructure of the SIPBE systems. Furthermore, the molecular weights of the polymers and the ion concentration were varied to elucidate the effects of ion solvation on the phase behavior of these materials. The miscibility of SIPBEs is characterized via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), while the impact of ion solvation on nanostructure is assessed using small and wide angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS). Preliminary results indicate that variations in ion solvation significantly influence both the miscibility (blend T_g) and nanostructure (crystallinity and ion-cluster size) of SIPBEs, yielding valuable insights into the thermodynamics and ion transport mechanisms governing these systems.