Poly(ether–thioethers) by Thiol–Ene Click and Their Oxidized Analogues as Lithium Polymer Electrolytes

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5b02513
• Publication Date: 2016-02-04T14:40:48Z
• Authors: Joel M. Sarapas; Gregory N. Tew
• Keywords: Thioether; Methylene; Dithiol

A family of nine poly(ether–thioethers) (PETEs) were synthesized by the radical coupling a dithiol and divinyl ether to investigate importance organo-sulfur incorporation in solid polymer electrolytes. Two series four polymers each probe both effect carbon spacer length between thioether units ratio units. PETE samples from these two had low Tg values, ranging −50 −75 °C, all but PETEs displayed crystallinity. Molecular weights 7 13 kg/mol obtained for polymers. Taking advantage sulfur-centered functional group, single polymer, PETE-1, was selectively oxidized poly(ether–sulfoxide) PESO-1 poly(ether–sulfone) PES-1. Oxidation increased PETE-1 −64 °C −36 −26 PES-1, respectively, while three amorphous. Of new polymers, amorphous addition LiTFSI decreased extent crystallinity other seven samples. An increase also observed PESO-1, PES-1 with salt. spacers two, four, six methylene generally uniform ion conductivity, near 5 × 10–5 S/cm at 80 sample eight lower conductivity that further temperatures. Samples varied ratios very conductivities, similar magnitude spacers. Within series, outperformed which turn terms mobility. The highest (10–4 S/cm) salt loading r = 0.05. synthetic approach described here will enable wealth structures be produced controlled group placement density providing novel materials electrolytes, broad variation, comprehensive structure–activity relationships.