Morgan Fandrey,

Sponsor or Client: 

Title:

Synthesis and Properties of Triazine-linked Poly-(ethylene) glycol Solid Polymer Electrolyte Systems

Abstract:

Alternative power storage devices have recently been more in demand, specifically devices that last longer and provide improved safety. Our team recognized the need, and has been working with solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) to be applied to structural supercapacitors (SSCs). The goal with the SPE is to reach a certain standard of mechanical strength and stability, all while remaining with a minimum ionic conductivity of 10-3 S/cm. Poly-(ethylene) glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) polymerized into a triazine system is a great candidate to meet these criteria. There are notable benefits to this specific polymer host as well, one of which includes its ability to potentially be recyclable due to its hydrolysable nature. While this is a huge benefit of this host, it also presents its challenges in carrying out the synthesis, and protecting the SPEs from moisture in the environment. Another positive aspect of the triazine-based systems may be its absence of any hydroxide functional groups, which may have a positive impact on the voltage window of the SPE. Challenges relating to the hydrolysable properties of the triazine system, and how the geometrical arrangement of this host affects electrochemical and mechanical properties of the SPE will be discussed, along with what the future holds in regards to these and related SPE hosts.