COPOLYMERS OF ESTER AND ETHER UNITS, PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING SAME AND USES THEREOF

Abstract

The present technology relates to a polymer comprising at least one ester repeating unit and one ether repeating unit for use in an electrochemical cell, particularly in electrochemical accumulators such as lithium batteries, sodium batteries, potassium batteries and lithium-ion batteries. More specifically, the use of this polymer as a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE), as a matrix for forming gel electrolytes, or as a binder in an electrode material are also contemplated.

Claims

1. A polymer comprising at least one ester repeating unit and one ether repeating unit, the polymer being of Formula I: ##STR00005## wherein: x, y and z are integers each independently selected such that the average molecular weight of the polymer is between 200 g/mol and 5,000,000 g/mol, or between 200 g/mol and 1,000,000 g/mol, or between 200 g/mol and 500,000 g/mol, or between 400 g/mol and 100,000 g/mol, or between 400 g/mol and 20,000 g/mol, where x≥1 and y+z≥1; R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are linear or branched substituents each independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-21alkyl, C.sub.2-22 alkenyl, C.sub.1-10alkoxyallyl, C.sub.1-10alkyl-(acrylate), and C.sub.1-10alkyl-(methacrylate); n, m, o, and p are integers, where o is between 1 and 10 and n, m, and p are between 0 and 10; and A and B are substituted or unsubstituted groups each independently selected from alkyls, alkenyls, alkynyls, acetyls, alkoxyls, epoxy-comprising groups, furan-comprising groups, primary amine-comprising groups, maleimide-comprising groups, acrylate-comprising groups, and acid groups, preferably at least one of A and B is an acrylate or both A and B are acrylates; said polymer being preferably in a linear, star or branched configuration; said ester and ether repeating units being preferably linked alternately, randomly, or blockwise; and said polymer being preferably a thermoplastic polymer or a thermosetting polymer.

2. The polymer of claim 1, wherein n is between 0 and 3, and R.sub.1 is selected from a hydrogen, a methyl, a —CH.sub.2—O—CH.sub.2—CH═CH.sub.2 group, and a —CH═CH.sub.2 group, preferably R.sub.1 is hydrogen and n=3.

3. (canceled)

4. The polymer of claim 1, wherein o and p are each between 2 and 4.

5. The polymer of claim 1, wherein m is between 0 and 4, and R.sub.2 is selected from hydrogen and a methyl, preferably R.sub.2 is hydrogen and m=4.

6-14. (canceled)

15. The polymer of claim 1, wherein at least one of the A, B, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 groups comprises functionalities allowing the crosslinking of the polymer.

16. The polymer of claim 15, said polymer being crosslinked and wherein the crosslinking of said polymer is carried out by a reaction selected from a radical-type reaction, a Diels-Alder reaction, a click chemistry, an alkene hydrothiolation reaction, a ring opening reaction, a vulcanization, a cycloaddition, an esterification, and an amidation, and/or wherein the crosslinking of said polymer is carried out by UV irradiation, by heat treatment, by microwave, under an electron beam, by gamma irradiation, or by X-ray irradiation.

17. (canceled)

18. The polymer of claim 15, said polymer being crosslinked and wherein the crosslinking of said polymer is carried out in the presence of a crosslinking agent, a thermal initiator, a UV initiator, a catalyst, a plasticizing agent, or a combination of at least two thereof, preferably the crosslinking agent is 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (Irgacure 651).

19-36. (canceled)

37. A polymer comprising at least one ester repeating unit and one ether repeating unit, the polymer being of Formula II: ##STR00006## wherein: x, y and z are integers each independently selected such that the average molecular weight of the polymer is between 200 g/mol and 5,000,000 g/mol, or between 200 g/mol and 1,000,000 g/mol, or between 200 g/mol and 500,000 g/mol, or between 400 g/mol and 100,000 g/mol, or between 400 g/mol and 20,000 g/mol, where x≥1 and y+z≥1 said ester and ether repeating units being preferably linked alternately, randomly, or blockwise; and said polymer being preferably a thermoplastic polymer or a thermosetting polymer.

38-42. (canceled)

43. The polymer of claim 37, wherein said polymer is polycaprolactone-block-polytetrahydrofuran-block-polycaprolactone diacrylate.

44. A polymer being polycaprolactone-block-polytetrahydrofuran-block-polycaprolactone di-2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ester, said polymer being preferably a thermoplastic polymer or a thermosetting polymer.

45. The polymer of claim 37, said polymer being crosslinked and wherein the crosslinking of said polymer is carried out by UV irradiation, by heat treatment, by microwave, under an electron beam, by gamma irradiation, or by X-ray irradiation, preferably the crosslinking of said polymer is carried out in the presence of a crosslinking agent, a thermal initiator, a UV initiator, a catalyst, a plasticizing agent, or a combination of at least two thereof, preferably the crosslinking agent is 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (Irgacure 651).

46-48. (canceled)

49. A composition comprising at least one polymer as defined in claim 1, and at least element selected from a liquid electrolyte, an ionic salt, an ionic liquid, a polymer, an inorganic particle, a polar aprotic solvent, or an additive.

50. An electrolyte comprising a polymer as defined in claim 1, said electrolyte preferably being a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) or a gel electrolyte, and wherein the electrolyte optionally further comprises an ionic salt, an ionic liquid, a separator, a polar aprotic solvent, an additive, or a combination of at least two thereof.

51-53. (canceled)

54. The electrolyte of claim 50, wherein the ionic salt is a lithium salt selected from lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF.sub.6), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium 2-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dicyanoimidazolate (LiTDI), lithium 4,5-dicyano-1,2,3-triazolate (LiDCTA), lithium bis(pentafluoroethylsulfonyl)imide (LiBETI), lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF.sub.4), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), lithium nitrate (LiNO.sub.3), lithium chloride (LiCl), lithium bromide (LiBr), lithium fluoride (LiF), lithium perchlorate (LiClO.sub.4), lithium hexafluoroarsenate (LiAsF.sub.6), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiSO.sub.3CF.sub.3) (LiTf), lithium fluoroalkylphosphate Li[PF.sub.3(CF.sub.2CF.sub.3).sub.3] (LiFAP), lithium tetrakis(trifluoroacetoxy)borate Li[B(OCOCF.sub.3).sub.4] (LiTFAB), lithium bis(1,2-benzenediolato(2-)-O,O′)borate Li[B(C.sub.6O.sub.2).sub.2] (LBBB), and their combinations.

55. The electrolyte of claim 50, wherein the polar aprotic solvent is selected from ethylene carbonate (EC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), propylene carbonate (PC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC), vinylene carbonate (VC), methyl butyrate (MB), γ-butyrolactone (γ-BL), γ-valerolactone (γ-VL), 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), 1,2-diethoxyethane (DEE), 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, dimethylsulfoxide, formamide, acetamide, dimethylformamide, dioxolane, acetonitrile, propylnitrile, nitromethane, ethylmonoglyme, trimethoxymethane, dioxolane derivatives, sulfolane, methylsulfolane, propylene carbonate derivatives, tetrahydrofuran, and their mixtures.

56. An electrode material comprising an electrochemically active material and a polymer as defined in claim 1, wherein the polymer is preferably a binder.

57. (canceled)

58. An electrochemical cell comprising a negative electrode, a positive electrode and an electrolyte, wherein at least one of the negative electrode, the positive electrode and the electrolyte comprises a polymer as defined in claim 1.

59. The electrochemical cell of claim 58, wherein the positive electrode comprises a positive electrode electrochemically active material and a binder preferably comprising said polymer, optionally an electronically conductive material, or a combination thereof, wherein the electronically conductive material is selected from carbon black, Ketjen™ carbon, acetylene black, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon fibers (such as carbon nanofibers or VGCFs formed in the gas phase) or a combination of at least two thereof.

60-61. (canceled)

62. The electrochemical cell of claim 58, wherein the electrolyte comprises the polymer.

63. An electrochemical accumulator comprising at least one electrochemical cell as defined in claim 58, said electrochemical accumulator preferably being selected from a lithium battery, a sodium battery, a potassium battery, and a lithium-ion battery.

64. (canceled)

65. An electrolyte comprising a polymer as defined in claim 37, said electrolyte preferably being a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) or a gel electrolyte, and wherein the electrolyte optionally further comprises an ionic salt, an ionic liquid, a separator, a polar aprotic solvent, an additive, or a combination of at least two thereof.

66. An electrode material comprising an electrochemically active material and a polymer as defined in claim 37, wherein the polymer is preferably a binder.

67. A composition comprising at least one polymer as defined in claim 37, and at least element selected from a liquid electrolyte, an ionic salt, an ionic liquid, a polymer, an inorganic particle, a polar aprotic solvent, or an additive.

68. An electrochemical cell comprising a negative electrode, a positive electrode and an electrolyte, wherein at least one of the negative electrode, the positive electrode and the electrolyte comprises a polymer as defined claim 37.

69. An electrochemical accumulator comprising at least one electrochemical cell as defined in claim 68, said electrochemical accumulator preferably being selected from a lithium battery, a sodium battery, a potassium battery, and a lithium-ion battery.

70. An electrolyte comprising a polymer as defined in claim 44, said electrolyte preferably being a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) or a gel electrolyte, and wherein the electrolyte optionally further comprises an ionic salt, an ionic liquid, a separator, a polar aprotic solvent, an additive, or a combination of at least two thereof.

71. An electrode material comprising an electrochemically active material and a polymer as defined in claim 44, wherein the polymer is preferably a binder.

72. A composition comprising at least one polymer as defined in claim 44, and at least element selected from a liquid electrolyte, an ionic salt, an ionic liquid, a polymer, an inorganic particle, a polar aprotic solvent, or an additive.

73. An electrochemical cell comprising a negative electrode, a positive electrode and an electrolyte, wherein at least one of the negative electrode, the positive electrode and the electrolyte comprises a polymer as defined claim 44.

74. An electrochemical accumulator comprising at least one electrochemical cell as defined in claim 73, said electrochemical accumulator preferably being selected from a lithium battery, a sodium battery, a potassium battery, and a lithium-ion battery.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] FIG. 1 shows the stability cycling results of a battery according to one embodiment, where the discharge capacity and efficiency were recorded: (A) at a charge/discharge rate of C/24 for the first 5 cycles and then of C/2 at a temperature of 50° C.; and (B) at a charge/discharge rate of C/5 at a temperature of 50° C., as described in Example 4(a).

[0031] FIG. 2 shows the discharge capacity results as described in Example 4(a), and this, at different charge/discharge rates and at different temperatures for a battery according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows the stability cycling results as described in Example 4(a) for a battery according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows the cyclic voltammetry results as described in Example 4(b) for a symmetrical cell according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] All the technical and scientific terms and expressions used herein have the same definitions as those commonly understood by the person skilled in the art when relating to the present technology. The definition of some terms and expressions used herein is nevertheless provided below.

[0035] The term “about” as used herein means approximately, in the region of, and around. When the term “about” is used in connection with a numerical value, it modifies it, for example, above and below by a variation of 10% with respect to the nominal value. This term can also take into account, for example, the experimental error of a measuring apparatus or rounding of the value.

[0036] When a range of values is mentioned in the present application, the lower and upper limits of the range are, unless otherwise indicated, always included in the definition.

[0037] The chemical structures described herein are drawn according to the field standards. Also, when an atom, such as a carbon atom, as drawn seems to include an incomplete valency, then the valency is assumed to be satisfied by one or more hydrogen atoms even though these are not explicitly represented.

[0038] As used herein, the term “alkyl” refers to saturated hydrocarbon groups having between 1 to 21 carbon atoms, including linear or branched alkyl groups. Non-limiting examples of alkyls can include methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, isopropyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, and analogs. The term “C.sub.1-C.sub.nalkyl” refers to an alkyl group having from 1 to the indicated “n” number of carbon atom(s).

[0039] As used herein, the term “alkenyl” refers to unsaturated hydrocarbons including at least one double bond between two carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of alkenyl groups include vinyl, allyl, 1-propen-2-yle, 1-buten-3-yle, 1-buten-4-yle, 2-buten-4-yle, 1-penten-5-yle, 1,3-pentadien-5-yle, and the like. The term “C.sub.2-C.sub.nalkenyl” refers to an alkenyl group having from 2 to the indicated “n” number of carbon atom(s).

[0040] As used herein, the term “alkynyl” refers to unsaturated hydrocarbons including at least one triple bond between two carbon atoms. Non-limiting examples of alkynyl groups include ethynyl groups, 1-propyn-3-yle, 1-butyn-4-yle, 2-butyn-4-yle, 1-pentyn-5-yle, 1,3-pentadiyn-5-yle, and the like. The term “C.sub.2-C.sub.nalkynyl” refers to an alkynyl group having from 2 to the indicated “n” number of carbon atom(s).

[0041] As used herein, the term “alkoxy” refers to an alkyl group having an oxygen atom attached thereto, the latter being between two carbon atoms. The term “alkoxy” includes both substituted and unsubstituted alkoxy groups. Representative alkoxy groups include groups having from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, for example, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, fluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, and the like.

[0042] The term “substituted”, when in association with a group refers to a group where at least one hydrogen atom has been replaced with an appropriate substituent. These substituents can also be substituted if permissible, for example, if it contains an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, etc.

[0043] The present application describes copolymers including both ether and ester repeating units introducing defects in the repeating structure of the copolymer thus leading to a decrease in crystallinity compared to the homopolymers used alone. These copolymers make it possible to obtain functional SPEs at room temperature, by combining the good electrochemical and physicochemical properties of the ether and ester repeating units. These properties are also useful when the copolymers as described herein are used in the composition of gel electrolyte matrices, of composites based on the addition of nanoparticles, or as binders in electrodes. Knowing that a limited diffusion of lithium ions compared to anions induces the formation of a concentration gradient responsible for the nucleation of dendrites, it is essential to use polymers with the highest possible transport numbers in order to prevent this unwanted reaction. The polymers of the present application have high transport numbers in comparison with poly(ethylene oxide) which is generally used in the targeted applications.

[0044] The present application therefore describes copolymers having low crystallization temperatures, very low glass transitions (T.sub.g), and high transport numbers, which is desirable for the efficient use of SPEs at room temperature. The copolymers described herein can be crosslinked by different stimuli to form, for example, thermosetting polymers having high mechanical properties, being resistant, and preventing the formation of dendrites. The mechanical strength can also be reinforced by the addition of nanoparticles such as SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2O.sub.3, TiO.sub.2, or any other suitable nanoparticles. These crosslinked polymers can also be used as a “hard” polymer gel base when their three-dimensional network is impregnated with liquid electrolytes and/or ionic liquids to increase the ionic conductivity of the polymer while retaining superior mechanical properties which can prevent the formation of dendrites. The present application therefore describes that it is possible to replace the gels commonly used in lithium-ion batteries whose poor mechanical properties cannot prevent the formation of such dendrites, and whose non-ionic conducting main structure implies the use of a large amount of liquid electrolyte.

[0045] The present description relates to a polymer comprising at least one ester repeating unit and one ether repeating unit. For example, the polymer is represented by Formula I:

##STR00002##

wherein:

[0046] x, y and z are integers each independently selected such that the average molecular weight of the polymer is between 200 g/mol and 5,000,000 g/mol; x≥1; y+z≥1;

[0047] R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are linear or branched substituents each independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-21alkyl, C.sub.2-22alkenyl, C.sub.1-10alkyl(acrylate), and C.sub.1-10alkyl(methacrylate);

[0048] n, m, o, and p are integers representing the average number of units in the polymer; o is between 1 and 10; n, m and p are between 0 and 10; and

[0049] A and B are substituted or unsubstituted groups each independently selected from alkyls, alkenyls, alkynyls, acetyls, alkoxyls, epoxy-comprising groups, furan-comprising groups, primary amine-comprising groups, maleimide-comprising groups, acrylate-comprising groups, and acid groups.

[0050] According to one example, the monomers before polymerization used to form the ether units can be, for example, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, tetrahydrofuran, oxymethylene, trimethylene oxide, trioxymethylene, allyl glycidyl ether, and 3,4-epoxy-1-butene. Alternatively, n is between 0 and 3, and R.sub.1 is selected from hydrogen, a methyl, a —CH.sub.2—O—CH.sub.2—CH═CH.sub.2 group, and a —CH═CH.sub.2 group. According to one variant of interest, R.sub.1 is hydrogen and n is 3.

[0051] According to another example, the monomers before polymerization used to form the ester units can be, for example, 1,4-butylene adipate, 1,3-propylene succinate, ethylene adipate, 1,3-propylene glutarate, and ethylene succinate. Alternatively, the ester units can be obtained via the ring opening of lactones such as α-acetolactone, β-propiolactone, γ-butyrolactone, δ-valerolactone, and ε-caprolactone. According to another alternative, they can be obtained by the ring opening of a lactide or a glycolide. According to another alternative, o is between 2 and 4, and p is between 2 and 4. According to another alternative, m is between 0 and 4, and R.sub.2 is selected from hydrogen and methyl. According to one variant of interest, R.sub.2 is hydrogen, and m is 4.

[0052] According to one example, A is an acrylate group. According to another example, B is an acrylate group. According to one variant of interest, A and B are acrylate groups.

[0053] According to one variant of interest, R.sub.1 is hydrogen, n is 3, R.sub.2 is hydrogen, m is 4, and A and B are acrylate groups. According to another variant of interest, R.sub.1 is hydrogen, n is 3, R.sub.2 is hydrogen, m is 4, z is 0, and A and B are acrylate groups. For example, the polymer is represented by Formula II:

##STR00003##

where x, y, and z are as previously defined.

[0054] According to one example, the polymer of Formula II can be prepared by a polymerization process as illustrated in Scheme 1:

##STR00004##

[0055] According to one example, the average molecular weight of the polymer of Formula I is between 200 g/mol and 5,000,000 g/mol, particularly between 200 g/mol and 1,000,000 g/mol, more particularly between 200 g/mol and 500,000 g/mol, even more particularly between 400 g/mol and 100,000 g/mol, and ideally between 400 g/mol and 20,000 g/mol, upper and lower limits included. According to another example, the average molecular weight of the polymer of Formula II is between 200 g/mol and 5,000,000 g/mol, particularly between 200 g/mol and 1,000,000 g/mol, more particularly between 200 g/mol and 500,000 g/mol, even more particularly between 400 g/mol and 100,000 g/mol, and ideally between 400 g/mol and 20,000 g/mol, upper and lower limits included.

[0056] The ester and ether repeating units can be arranged alternately, randomly, or blockwise. According to another example, the ester and ether repeating units are each linked to a polymer in a configuration selected from linear, star, and branched configurations. According to one variant, the polymer is a branched or hyperbranched polymer including comb polymers and dendritic polymers. According to another variant, the polymer is a star polymer and the linear chains of said star polymer are of homogeneous length and structure, alternatively they are of heterogeneous length and structure.

[0057] According to one example, the polymer of the present description can have in its structure both one or more ionic conductor segment(s) and one or more function(s) that can allow the controlled crosslinking of the polymer. According to one example, the polymer further comprises functionalities allowing its controlled crosslinking under different external stimuli. For example, at least one of the A, B, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 groups includes functionalities allowing the crosslinking of said polymer. For example, crosslinking makes it possible to obtain a three-dimensional structure very resistant to high voltages and further allowing the prevention of dendrite formation. The selected repeating units can provide the polymer with a high transport number. Crosslinking can be carried out by a reaction selected from a radical-type reaction, a Diels-Alder reaction, a click chemistry, an alkene hydrothiolation reaction, a ring opening reaction, a vulcanization, a cycloaddition, an esterification, and an amidation. For example, crosslinking is carried out by UV irradiation, by thermal treatment, by microwave, under an electron beam, by gamma irradiation, or by X-ray irradiation. Crosslinking can also be carried out in the presence of a crosslinking agent, a thermal initiator, a UV initiator, a catalyst, a plasticizing agent such as tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether (or tetraglyme), poly(ethylene glycol) dimethyl ether (PEGDME), and such as conventional liquid electrolytes, molten salt electrolytes (ionic liquid), or a combination of at least two thereof. For example, the UV crosslinking agent is 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (Irgacure™ 651).

[0058] According to another example, said polymer is a thermoplastic polymer or a thermosetting polymer.

[0059] According to one variant, said polymer can be included in a composition comprising at least one polymer as defined herein, and one or more liquid electrolytes, ionic salts, ionic liquids, polymers, inorganic particles, polar aprotic solvents, or additives.

[0060] According to one variant, said polymer can be included in an electrolyte such as a solid or gel electrolyte. When the polymer described herein is used in a solid or gel electrolyte, the latter can further comprise a liquid electrolyte, an ionic salt, an ionic liquid, another polymer, a separator, a single-ion polymer, inorganic particles, a polar aprotic solvent, an additive, or a combination of at least two thereof. For example, it is possible, by varying the crosslinking density and the inserted groups, to obtain a highly ionically conductive impregnated material while maintaining superior mechanical properties preventing the formation of dendrites. The addition of an ionic salt can also increase the transport number of the polymer and its ionic conductivity.

[0061] According to one variant, the electrolyte is a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) that can be used in an electrochemical cell or an electrochemical accumulator, for example, an “all solid-state” type electrochemical accumulator. According to another variant of interest, the electrolyte is a gel electrolyte.

[0062] According to one example, the polymer of the present description can further have in its structure one or more function(s) that can lead to its grafting on the surface of one or more element(s) of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, or on the surface of solid elements contained in the SPE.

[0063] Non-limiting examples of separators can include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), cellulose, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and polypropylene-polyethylene-polypropylene (PP/PE/PE) membranes.

[0064] For example, the ionic salt can be a lithium salt. Non-limiting examples of lithium salts include lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF.sub.6), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium 2-trifluoromethyl-4,5-dicyanoimidazolate (LTDI), lithium 4,5-dicyano-1,2,3-triazolate (LiDCTA), lithium bis(pentafluoroethylsulfonyl)imide (LiBETI), lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF.sub.4), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB), lithium nitrate (LiNO.sub.3), lithium chloride (LiCl), lithium bromide (LiBr), lithium fluoride (LiF), lithium perchlorate (LiClO.sub.4), lithium hexafluoroarsenate (LiAsF.sub.6), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiSO.sub.3CF.sub.3) (LiTf), lithium fluoroalkylphosphate Li[PF.sub.3(CF.sub.2CF.sub.3).sub.3] (LiFAP), lithium tetrakis(trifluoroacetoxy)borate Li[B(OCOCF.sub.3).sub.4] (LiTFAB), lithium bis(1,2-benzenediolato(2-)-O,O′)borate Li[B(C.sub.6O.sub.2).sub.2] (LBBB), and combinations thereof or compositions comprising them. According to one variant of interest, the lithium salt is lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI).

[0065] Non-limiting examples of polar aprotic solvents comprise ethylene carbonate (EC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), propylene carbonate (PC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), ethylmethyl carbonate (EMC), vinylene carbonate (VC), methyl butyrate (MB), γ-butyrolactone (γ-BL), γ-valerolactone (γ-VL), 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME), 1,2-diethoxyethane (DEE), 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, dimethylsulfoxide, formamide, acetamide, dimethylformamide, dioxolane, acetonitrile, propylnitrile, nitromethane, ethylmonoglyme, trimethoxymethane, dioxolane derivatives, sulfolane, methylsulfolane, propylene carbonate derivatives, tetrahydrofuran, and mixtures thereof. For example, the polar aprotic solvent is propylene carbonate (PC).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the concentration of the polymer in the electrolyte composition is between 5% and 100% by weight, between 10% and 100% by weight, between 20% and 100% by weight, between 30% and 100% by weight, between 40% and 100% by weight, between 50% and 100% by weight, between 60% and 100% by weight, between 75% and 100% by weight, and between 90% and 100% by weight, upper and lower limits included.

[0067] The present application also provides an electrode material comprising an electrochemically active material and a polymer as defined herein. According to one variant of interest, the binder comprises a polymer as described herein. Alternatively, the polymer as described herein is present in the electrode material in the form of a coating on electrochemically active material particles.

[0068] The present application also proposes an electrochemical cell comprising a negative electrode, a positive electrode and an electrolyte, wherein at least one of the negative electrode, the positive electrode and the electrolyte comprises a polymer of the present application. For example, the polymer is present in the electrolyte, or in one of the positive and negative electrodes, or in one of the electrodes and in the electrolyte. According to one example, the electrochemical cell comprises the electrolyte of the present application. According to a variant of interest, the negative electrode is lithium.

[0069] For example, the polymer of the present description can be combined with different inorganic materials to form composites. For example, the inorganic particles can be inactive such as titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2), silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2), and aluminum oxide (Al.sub.2O.sub.3). Alternatively, the inorganic particles can be active such as, for example, lithium lanthanum titanate Li.sub.0.33La.sub.0.557TiO.sub.3 (LLTO), lithium lanthanum zirconate Li.sub.7La.sub.3Zr.sub.2O.sub.12 (LLZO), and Li.sub.6.75La.sub.3Zr.sub.1.75Ta.sub.0.25O.sub.12 (LLZTO). According to one example, the functionalities of the polymer of the present description allow to graft it onto electrochemically active or inactive micro or nanoparticles to increase the ionic conductivity/transport number of the polymer and/or to increase the mechanical properties of the final composite.

[0070] According to another aspect, the positive electrode comprises a positive electrode material which comprises an electrochemically active material, for example, in the form of particles. Examples of electrochemically active positive electrode materials include lithium metal phosphates and complex oxides such as LiM′PO.sub.4 where M′ is Fe, Ni, Mn, Co, or a combination thereof, LiV.sub.3O.sub.8, V.sub.2O.sub.5, LiMn.sub.2O.sub.4, LiM″O.sub.2 where M″ is Mn, Co, Ni, or a combination thereof, Li(NiM′″)O.sub.2 where M′″ is Mn, Co, Al, Fe, Cr, Ti, or Zr, or combinations thereof. The positive electrode material may also further comprise an electronically conductive material, a binder, or a combination of both. According to a variant of interest, the binder comprises a polymer as described herein. Alternatively, the polymer as described herein is present in the electrode material as a coating on electrochemically active material particles.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the electronically conductive material is selected from carbon black, Ketjen™ carbon, acetylene black, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon fibers (such as carbon nanofibers or VGCFs formed in the gas phase), or a combination of at least two thereof. According to one variant of interest, the electronically conductive material is a combination of acetylene black (such as Denka carbon HS100) and VGCFs.

[0072] According to one example, the positive electrode material can be applied to a current collector (for example, aluminum or copper) to form the positive electrode. According to another variant, the positive electrode can be self-supported. According to one variant of interest, the current collector is made of carbon-coated aluminum.

[0073] According to another example, the SPE membranes and/or the electrodes comprising the polymer of the present description can be continuously formed on roll-to-roll processing systems for large-scale production.

[0074] According to another aspect, an electrochemical cell of the present application is included in an electrochemical accumulator. For example, the electrochemical accumulator is selected from a lithium battery, a sodium battery, a potassium battery, and a lithium-ion battery. According to one variant of interest, the electrochemical accumulator is a lithium-ion battery.

[0075] According to another aspect, the electrochemical accumulators of the present application are used in portable devices, for example, mobile phones, cameras, tablets, or laptops, in electric or hybrid vehicles, or in renewable energy storage.

EXAMPLES

[0076] The following examples are illustrative and should not be construed as further limiting the scope of the invention as described.

Example 1—Synthesis of Polymers

(a) Synthesis of a Crosslinked Polymer Film: Polycaprolactone-Block-Polytetrahydrofuran-Block-Polycaprolactone Diacrylate (Polymer P1)

[0077] The synthesis of the polymer was carried out in a 500 ml flask fitted with a magnetic bar by solubilizing 72 g of a commercial polycaprolactone-block-polytetrahydrofuran-block-polycaprolactone having a molecular weight of 2,000 g/mol in 160 g of toluene. Acrylic acid (12.8 g), hydroquinone (0.4 g), and p-toluenesulfonic acid (1.6 g) were then added. Subsequently, the solution was stirred at a temperature of 80° C. under partial vacuum for 24 hours to extract the water by azeotropic distillation. The solvent was then evaporated using a rotary evaporator under vacuum at a temperature of 60° C. for 2 hours. 200 g of a saturated sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution and 100 ml of water were then added to the flask containing the polymer.

[0078] The solution was then stirred until the polymer was neutralized. Once the agitation was stopped, the polymer deposited at the bottom of the flask and the supernatant was decanted. Subsequently, the polymer was washed six times with nanopure water under vigorous stirring, and then separated by centrifugation. The polymer was then dried using a rotary evaporator, and then analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR).

[0079] The Polymer P1 thus obtained had the following properties: a glass transition temperature (T.sub.g)=−78.13° C., and a melting point (mp)=18-34.5° C. After crosslinking by UV irradiation, the T.sub.g was −72° C. and the polymer was amorphous.

(b) Synthesis of a Gel Polymer: Polycaprolactone-Block-Polytetrahydrofuran-Block-Polycaprolactone Di-2-(2-Methoxyethoxy) Ester (Polymer P2)

[0080] The synthesis of this polymer was carried out in a 500 ml flask fitted with a magnetic bar by solubilizing 72 g of a commercial polycaprolactone-block-polytetrahydrofuran-block-polycaprolactone having a molecular weight of 2,000 g/mol in 160 g of toluene. Subsequently, 11.9 g of 2-(2-methoxyethoxy)acetic acid, 0.4 g of hydroquinone, and 1.6 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid were added. The solution was stirred at a temperature of 80° C. under partial vacuum for 24 hours to extract the water by azeotropic distillation. The solvent was then evaporated on a rotary evaporator under vacuum at a temperature of 60° C. for 2 hours. Subsequently, 200 g of a saturated sodium bicarbonate aqueous solution and 100 ml of water were added to the flask containing the polymer.

[0081] The solution was then vigorously stirred until the polymer was neutralized. Once the agitation was stopped, the polymer deposited at the bottom of the flask, and the supernatant was decanted. Subsequently, the polymer was washed six times with nanopure water under vigorous stirring and was separated by centrifugation. The isolated polymer was dried using a rotary evaporator and then analyzed by FTIR, DSC and NMR.

[0082] The Polymer P2 thus obtained had the following properties: T.sub.g=−76.22° C. and mp=16.5-26.5° C.

Example 2—Preparation of Symmetrical Cells

[0083] The preparation of the symmetrical cells of Examples 2(a) to 2(c) was entirely carried out in an anhydrous chamber.

(a) Preparation of Symmetrical Cells Comprising Only the Polymer P1

[0084] The Polymer P1 (3 g) was dissolved using a vortex in a bottle (vial) with 3 g of ethanol, 0.53 g of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), and 0.015 g of Irgacure™ 651 (2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone, a photo-crosslinking agent). The solution was then spread by the Doctor blade method on a stainless steel current collector, and then dried in the oven at a temperature of 75° C. for a period of 5 minutes before being inserted in a UV oven under a continuous flow of an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. An intensity of 300 WPI was applied for 5 minutes to induce crosslinking of the polymer. Thereafter, the coating was left overnight in the oven at a temperature of 75° C. before its use.

[0085] The ionic conductivity of the polymer thus obtained was measured between two stainless steel electrodes. A value of 4.41×10.sup.−6 S/cm was obtained at a temperature of 30° C.

(b) Preparation of Symmetrical Cells Comprising the Polymers P1 and P2

[0086] The Polymer P1 (3 g) and the Polymer P2 (3 g) were dissolved in a vial with 6 g of ethanol, 1.06 g of LiTFSI, and 0.015 g of Irgacure™ 651 using a vortex. Subsequently, the solution was spread by the Doctor blade method on a stainless steel collector, and then dried in the oven at a temperature of 75° C. for a period of 5 minutes before being inserted in a UV oven under a continuous flow of an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. An intensity of 300 WPI was applied for 5 minutes to induce the crosslinking of the polymer. Subsequently, the coating was left overnight in the oven at a temperature of 75° C. prior to its use.

[0087] The ionic conductivity of the polymer blend comprising the Polymer P1 and the Polymer P2 thus obtained was measured between two stainless steel electrodes. A value of 1.08×10.sup.−5 S/cm was obtained at a temperature of 30° C.

(c) Preparation of Symmetrical Cells Comprising the Polymer P1 and a Liquid Electrolyte

[0088] The Polymer P1 (3 g) and 0.53 g of LiTFSI were dissolved in a predetermined amount of a previously prepared 1 M solution of LiTFSI in PC (see Table 1) and 0.015 g of Irgacure™ 651 using a vortex. Subsequently, the solution was spread by the Doctor blade method on a stainless steel collector and then inserted into a UV oven under a continuous flow of an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. An intensity of 300 WPI was applied for 5 minutes to induce crosslinking. The coating was then used as is without preheating in the oven to prevent evaporation of the PC.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Ionic conductivity as a function of the mass percentage of propylene carbonate Ionic Ionic PC vs. conductivity conductivity PC + copolymer PC weight at 30° C. at 80° C. Sample (% by weight) (g) (S/cm) (S/cm) E1 50 3 7.82 × 10.sup.−4 1.54 × 10.sup.−3 E2 40 2 6.11 × 10.sup.−4 1.22 × 10.sup.−3 E3 25 1.24 2.61 × 10.sup.−4 6.67 × 10.sup.−4 E4 10 0.415 4.27 × 10.sup.−5 2.83 × 10.sup.−4 E5 0 0 4.41 × 10.sup.−6 7.99 × 10.sup.−5

d) Preparation of Symmetrical Cells (Lithium/SPE/Lithium) Comprising Only the Polymer P1

[0089] The SPE was prepared as described in Example 2(a) by replacing the stainless steel current collector with a polypropylene film. An 80 μm thick SPE was then detached from the polypropylene film using hexane, transferred to a PTFE sheet and covered with another PTFE sheet. The SPE sandwiched between two PTFE sheets was then punched to obtain an SPE separator and to assemble a lithium/SPE/lithium battery. The assembly was carried out in a glove box.

[0090] The transport number of the Polymer P1 was measured between two lithium electrodes. An average value of 0.71 was obtained with 4 cells at a temperature of 50° C.

Example 3—Preparation of LiFePO.SUB.4./SPE/Lithium Batteries

a) Preparation of LiFePO.SUB.4./SPE/Lithium Batteries Including Only the Polymer P1

[0091] The preparation is entirely carried out in an anhydrous chamber. 6 g of Polymer P1 were solubilized with 7.53 g of ethanol, 1.5 g of LiTFSI and 0.03 g of Irgacure™ 651 in a vortex bottle. 7.53 g of this solution was then transferred in a planetary centrifugal mixer container (THINKY™ type). 8.8 g of carbon-coated lithium iron phosphate (c-LFP), 0.475 g of acetylene black (Denka™ carbon HS-100), 0.475 g of carbon fibers (VGCF type), 0.015 g of azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as thermal initiator, and 16 g of ethanol were then added into the container. The whole content was mixed 5 times for a period of 5 minutes, each time using a planetary centrifugal mixer (THINKY™ type mixer) to disperse the powders and obtain a homogeneous solution. This positive electrode solution was then spread by the Doctor blade method on a carbon-coated aluminum collector, and then dried and crosslinked in an oven at a temperature of 120° C. for 2 hours.

[0092] Subsequently, the stock solution containing the polymer, lithium salt, and UV initiator was spread by the Doctor blade method on the positive electrode. The positive electrode with the SPE coating thus obtained was dried in the oven at a temperature of 75° C. for 5 minutes before being inserted in a UV oven under a continuous flow of an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. An intensity of 300 WPI was then applied for 5 minutes to induce crosslinking. The coating was then left overnight in the oven at 75° C. before its use.

[0093] The batteries were assembled with a 45 μm thick metallic lithium anode. Two different battery formats were used: button cell and pouch cell formats.

(b) Preparation of LiFePO.SUB.4./SPE/Lithium Battery Including Polymers P1 and P2

[0094] The preparation is entirely carried out in an anhydrous chamber. 3 g of Polymer P1 and 3 g of Polymer P2 were solubilized with 6 g of ethanol, 1.06 g of LiTFSI, and 0.015 g of Irgacure™ 651 in a flask using a vortex. 6.54 g of this solution were then transferred in a planetary centrifugal mixer container (THINKY™ type). 8.24 g of carbon-coated lithium iron phosphate (c-LFP), 0.445 g of acetylene black (Denka™ carbon HS-100), 0.445 g of carbon fibers (VGCF type), 0.0075 g of AIBN as thermal initiator, and 16 g of ethanol were then added into the container. The whole content was then mixed, spread, dried, and crosslinked as described in Example 3(a).

[0095] Subsequently, the stock solution containing the polymer, lithium salt, and UV initiator was spread by the Doctor blade method on the positive electrode. The positive electrode thus obtained with the SPE coating was dried in the oven at a temperature of 75° C. for 5 minutes before being inserted in a UV oven under a continuous flow of an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. An intensity of 300 WPI was then applied for 10 minutes to induce crosslinking. The coating was then left overnight in the oven at 75° C. before its use. The batteries were assembled as described in Example 3 (a).

Example 4—Electrochemical Properties

(a) Formation and Stability Cycling

[0096] The formation and stability cycling tests of a battery prepared in Example 3(a) were carried out at different charge and discharge rates and at different temperatures. The results are presented for a battery having a total load of 4.39 mg/cm.sup.2, an SPE having a thickness of 20 μm, and a 25 μm thick positive electrode.

[0097] FIG. 1A shows the cycling of a battery obtained in Example 3(a). During the formation (first 5 charge/discharge cycles) at C/24 and at 50° C., a stable capacity of 149 mAh/g was obtained with an efficiency close to 100%. The battery was then started in stability at C/2 (charge/discharge) again at 50° C. A rapid decrease in capacity was observed during the first 40 cycles, and then it stabilized at about 100 mAh/g. After more than 880 cycles, the capacity was approximately 80 mAh/g while keeping a high efficiency of about 100%.

[0098] FIG. 1B shows the cycling of a battery obtained in Example 3(a), at a rate of C/5 (charge/discharge) and at 50° C. At these cycling rate and temperature, a very significant stability with an initial capacity of 137 mAh/g in the first cycle, a capacity of 123 mAh/g after the 257th cycle, and an efficiency of 99.9% were observed.

[0099] FIG. 2 shows the cycling of a battery obtained in Example 3(a) at different charge/discharge rates and at different temperatures. The box on the left and right show the cycling results at 50° C. and 25° C. temperatures, respectively. At a temperature of 50° C., it was observed that the battery can be cycled up to C/5 while maintaining a high capacity of about 150 mAh/g. It was observed that at C/2 and 1C rates, the capacity decreases more rapidly and becomes respectively less than 120 mAh/g and 40 mAh/g after 5 cycles. When used at 25° C., it was observed that the battery has a good capacity of about 145 mAh/g at C/24 but decreases below 40 mAh/g at a rate of C/5. The battery was then tested for stability at a rate of C/10 and it was observed that after more than 90 cycles the battery still had a capacity of about 100 mAh/g and tended to stabilize.

[0100] The formation and stability cycling tests of a battery prepared in Example 3(b) were carried out at different charge and discharge rates and at different temperatures. The results are presented for a battery comprising a total load of 5.72 mg/cm.sup.2, an SPE having a thickness of 20 μm, and a 32 μm thick positive electrode.

[0101] FIG. 3 shows the cycling of a battery obtained in Example 3(b). During the formation (first 4 charge/discharge cycles) at C/24 and at 50° C., a stable capacity of about 141 mAh/g was obtained with an efficiency close to 100%. The battery was then started in stability at C/5 (charge/discharge) again at 50° C. At these cycling rate and temperature, a significant stability with an initial capacity of 125.9 mAh/g in the first cycle, a capacity of 124.2 mAh/g after the 33.sup.rd cycle, and an efficiency of 99.9% were observed.

(b) Cyclic Voltammetry

[0102] The stability of the symmetrical cell comprising the Polymer P1 alone obtained in Example 2(a) was assessed by cyclic voltammetry. FIG. 4 shows that the polymer is stable up to about 4.5 V allowing it to be used with high voltage materials. The results are presented for a scan rate of 0.1 mV/s and a temperature of 50° C.

[0103] Numerous modifications could be made to one or other of the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the present invention as contemplated. Any references, patents or scientific literature documents referred to in the present application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.