SOLID POLYMER ELECTROLYTE

Abstract

A method for preparing a film of solid polymer electrolyte, including: (i) providing a composition including, in one or more solvents, at least one (co)polymer of at least one cyclic monomer selected from lactones and cyclic carbonates with five to eight ring members; the (co)polymer or (co)polymers having free terminal hydroxyl functions; at least one crosslinking agent, at least one ionic conductive salt; and optionally, in the case of a crosslinking agent bearing at least one photosensitive reactive function, at least one photoinitiator compound; (ii) forming a dry film from the composition, in conditions unfavourable to crosslinking of the (co)polymer or (co)polymers; and (iii) bringing the film into conditions favourable to crosslinking of the (co)polymer or (co)polymers to form the film of solid polymer electrolyte. Also disclosed is a film of solid polymer electrolyte and use thereof in an electrochemical system, in particular in a lithium battery.

Claims

1-25. (canceled)

26. A method for preparing a film of solid polymer electrolyte, comprising: (i) providing a composition, comprising, in one or more solvents: at least one (co)polymer of at least one cyclic monomer selected from lactones and cyclic carbonates with five to eight ring members; said (co)polymer or (co)polymers having free terminal hydroxyl functions; at least one organic molecule, called crosslinking agent, bearing at least two reactive functions, said molecule being able to allow, under the action of external stimulation, crosslinking of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers by reaction with the hydroxyl functions of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers; at least one ionic conductive salt; and optionally, in the case of a crosslinking agent bearing at least one photosensitive reactive function, at least one photoinitiator compound; (ii) forming a dry film from said composition, in conditions unfavourable to crosslinking of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers; and (iii) bringing said film into conditions favourable to crosslinking of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers to form the film of solid polymer electrolyte.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein said (co)polymer used in step (i) is obtained beforehand by (co)polymerization of one or more cyclic monomers selected from lactones and cyclic carbonates with five to eight ring members, in the presence of at least one organic molecule, called initiator, bearing at least three hydroxyl functions, and of at least one catalyst of the (co)polymerization reaction.

28. The method according to claim 26, wherein said cyclic monomer or monomers are of the following formula (I): ##STR00004## wherein: X represents a carbon atom or an oxygen atom; n has a value of 0 or is an integer between 1 and 9; said monomers optionally being substituted, on one or more of the carbon atoms of the ring, with one or more substituents.

29. The method according to claim 26, wherein said (co)polymer used in step (i) is formed from at least one monomer of the lactone type of the following formula (II): ##STR00005## wherein: n is an integer from 1 to 9, in particular from 1 to 3; said monomers optionally being substituted, on one or more of the carbon atoms of the ring, with one or more substituents.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein at least one monomer of the lactone type is -caprolactone.

31. The method according to claim 27, wherein said catalyst of the (co)polymerization reaction is selected from substituted phosphorus-containing compounds or metal compounds such as tin diethylhexanoate (Sn(Oct)2).

32. The method according to claim 26, wherein said (co)polymer in step (i) has a number-average molecular weight, designated Mn, greater than or equal to 3 kg.Math.mol.sup.1.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein said (co)polymer in step (i) has a number-average molecular weight between 9 and 120 kg.Math.mol.sup.1.

34. The method according to claim 26, wherein said crosslinking agent is selected from: organic molecules, called thermo-activatable, having at least two functions, designated F1, each of the functions being able to interact, under the action of heat, with a hydroxyl function to form a covalent bond; and organic molecules, called photo-activatable, possessing a reactive function F1 able to interact, under the action of heat, with a hydroxyl function to form a covalent bond; and at least one photosensitive function F2, reactive under the action of UV radiation, in the presence of at least one photoinitiator compound.

35. The method according to claim 26, wherein said crosslinking agent is of the following formula (IV):
F1-E-G(IV) wherein: F1 is a function able to interact, under the action of heat, with a hydroxyl function to form a covalent bond; E is an organic spacer group; and G represents either a function F1, identical to or different from the first function F1; or a photosensitive function F2, reactive under UV radiation.

36. The method according to claim 35, wherein F1 is an isocyanate function.

37. The method according to claim 35, wherein E is an alkylene group, linear or branched, having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms.

38. The method according to claim 34, wherein said crosslinking agent is an organic molecule bearing at least two functions F1.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein said crosslinking agent is selected from the aliphatic diisocyanates.

40. The method according to claim 38, wherein said composition in step (i) further comprises at least one catalyst of the coupling reaction between a hydroxyl function and a function F1.

41. The method according to claim 34, wherein said crosslinking agent is an organic molecule bearing a function F1, and at least one photosensitive function F2 that is reactive under the action of UV radiation.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein said crosslinking agent is an organic molecule bearing an isocyanate function and at least a function with ethylenic unsaturation(s).

43. The method according to claim 41, wherein said composition in step (i) further comprises at least one photoinitiator compound selected from the oxides of phosphine.

44. The method according to claim 26, wherein said ionic conductive salt is a lithium salt.

45. The method according to claim 26, wherein said solvent or solvents are selected from acetone, tetrahydrofuran and mixtures thereof.

46. The method according to claim 26, wherein said film in step (ii) is formed, on the surface of a substrate, by casting/evaporation or else by coating followed by drying in conditions favourable to evaporation of said solvent or solvents, said dry film then being optionally separated from said substrate to form a self-supporting film.

47. The method according to claim 38, wherein the crosslinking in step (iii) is carried out by bringing said dry film to a temperature favourable to reaction of the functions F1, with the hydroxyl functions of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers.

48. The method according to claim 40, wherein the crosslinking in step (iii) is carried out by the following step or steps: (a) optionally, in the case when the functions F1 did not react during forming of the dry film, with the hydroxyl functions of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers, bringing said film to a temperature favourable to interaction of said functions F1, with said hydroxyl functions; and (b) exposing said dry film to UV radiation favourable to activation of the functions F2; and steps (a) and (b) may be carried out consecutively, in that order, or simultaneously.

49. A film of solid polymer electrolyte comprising a crosslinked polymer network formed from crosslinked (co)polymer(s) of at least one cyclic monomer selected from lactones and cyclic carbonates with five to eight ring members; and at least one ionic conductive salt.

50. The film of solid polymer electrolyte according to claim 49, wherein said (co)polymer or (co)polymers are formed from at least one cyclic monomer of formula (I) ##STR00006## wherein: X represents a carbon atom or an oxygen atom; n has a value of 0 or is an integer between 1 and 9; said monomers optionally being substituted, on one or more of the carbon atoms of the ring, with one or more substituents.

51. The film of solid polymer electrolyte according to claim 49, said film having a thickness between 10 and 100 m.

52. A use of a film of solid polymer electrolyte comprising a crosslinked polymer network formed from crosslinked (co)polymer(s) of at least one cyclic monomer selected from lactones and cyclic carbonates with five to eight ring members; and at least one ionic conductive salt in an electrochemical system.

53. An electrochemical system comprising a film of solid polymer electrolyte comprising a crosslinked polymer network formed from crosslinked (co)polymer(s) of at least one cyclic monomer selected from lactones and cyclic carbonates with five to eight ring members; and at least one ionic conductive salt.

54. The electrochemical system according to claim 53, wherein it is a lithium battery.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] FIG. 1 presents the infrared spectra, respectively of the electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone according to the invention (crosslinked PCL:LiTFSI (4:1)) and of the electrolyte based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone (PCL:LiTFSI (4:1)) not according to the invention, prepared according to example 1.

[0041] FIG. 2 presents the curves of the variation of the storage modulus G and of the damping factor tan delta=G/G obtained by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of the polycaprolactone material alone (PCL), of the electrolyte based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone (PCL+salt) not according to the invention and of the electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone according to the invention (crosslinked PCL+salt), prepared according to example 1.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows the variation of the ionic conductivity (in S.Math.cm.sup.1) as a function of temperature (1000/T, T being expressed in degrees Kelvin) for the electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone according to the invention (crosslinked PCL:LiTFSI) and for the electrolyte based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone (PCL:LiTFSI (4:1)) not according to the invention, prepared according to example 1.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows the voltammogram obtained with the electrochemical set-up described in example 1, incorporating the electrolyte based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone (PCL:LiTFSI (4:1)) not according to the invention, prepared according to example 1 for a first cycle of potential scanning at 1 mV/s at a temperature of 80 C.

[0044] FIG. 5 shows the voltammogram obtained with the electrochemical set-up described in example 1, incorporating the electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone (crosslinked PCL:LiTFSI (4:1)) according to the invention, prepared according to example 1 for a first cycle of potential scanning at 1 mV/s at a temperature of 80 C.

[0045] FIG. 6 shows the cycling curves in a symmetric cell Li.sup.0/electrolyte/Li.sup.0, using the electrolyte based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone (PCL:LiTFSI (4:1)), as described in example 1.

[0046] FIG. 7 shows the cycling curves in a symmetric cell Li.sup.0/electrolyte/Li.sup.0, using the electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone according to the invention (crosslinked PCL:LiTFSI (4:1)), as described in example 1.

[0047] FIG. 8 shows the cycling curves in a battery Li.sup.0 vs. LiNi.sub.1/3Mn.sub.1/3Co.sub.1/3O.sub.2 using the electrolyte based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone (PCL:LiTFSI (4:1)), as described in example 1.

[0048] FIG. 9 shows the variation of the ionic conductivity (in S.Math.cm.sup.1) as a function of temperature (1000/T, T being expressed in degrees Kelvin) for the electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone/polytrimethylene carbonate copolymer according to the invention (crosslinked PCLcoPTMC:LiTFSI) and for the electrolyte based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone/polytrimethylene carbonate copolymer (PCLcoPTMC:LiTFSI (4:1)) not according to the invention, prepared according to example 2.

[0049] Hereinafter, the expressions between . . . and . . . and ranging from . . . to . . . and varying from . . . to . . . are equivalent and are intended to signify that the limits are included, unless stated otherwise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Precursor Composition of the Solid Electrolyte

[0051] As stated above, preparation of a solid polymer electrolyte according to the invention involves, firstly, preparation of a composition comprising, in one or more solvents: [0052] at least one (co)polymer of at least one cyclic monomer selected from lactones and cyclic carbonates with five to eight ring members; said (co)polymer or (co)polymers having free terminal hydroxyl functions; [0053] at least one crosslinking agent, capable of allowing, under the action of external stimulation, in particular under the action of heat and/or UV radiation, crosslinking of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers by reaction with the hydroxyl functions; and [0054] at least one electrolyte salt, in particular a lithium salt.

[0055] The composition used in step (i) of the method of the invention is denoted more simply by the designation precursor composition of the solid electrolyte.

[0056] (Co)Polymer Bearing Hydroxyl Functions

[0057] Copolymer means in particular a polymer derived from at least two different monomer species.

[0058] In the present description, unless stated otherwise, the term polymer will be used to denote, in the broad sense, both homopolymers and copolymers.

[0059] The polymer used according to the invention is more particularly a branched polymer. Branched denotes a non-linear polymer possessing pendent chains.

[0060] As detailed hereafter, the (co)polymer bearing terminal hydroxyl functions (OH) may be obtained more particularly, before carrying out the method of the invention, by (co)polymerization of one or more cyclic monomers selected from lactones and cyclic carbonates with five to eight ring members, in the presence of at least one organic molecule, called initiator, bearing at least three hydroxyl functions and, optionally, in the presence of at least one catalyst of the (co)polymerization reaction.

[0061] The cyclic monomers correspond more particularly to the following formula (I):

##STR00001##

[0062] in which: [0063] X represents a carbon atom or an oxygen atom; [0064] n has a value of 0 or is an integer between 1 and 9, in particular between 1 and 3;

[0065] said monomers optionally being substituted, on one or more of the carbon atoms of the ring, with one or more substituents R.

[0066] The substituents of the cyclic monomer, R, may be selected more particularly from alkyl groups, in particular C.sub.1 to C.sub.5, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated; halogen atoms; hydroxyl function, carboxyl function, SO.sub.3H and amine, in particular NH.sub.2; said alkyl groups optionally bearing one or more groups selected from halogen atoms, hydroxyl functions, carboxyl functions, SO.sub.3H and amine, in particular NH.sub.2. They may be for example (meth)acrylate groups.

[0067] According to a particular embodiment, the (co)polymer is formed from at least one monomer of the lactone type.

[0068] Lactone means more particularly monomers corresponding to the following formula (II):

##STR00002##

[0069] in which n is an integer from 1 to 9, in particular from 1 to 3;

[0070] said monomers optionally being substituted, on one or more of the carbon atoms of the ring, with one or more substituents R, as defined above.

[0071] Examples of lactones comprising more particularly the -, -, - and -lactones, saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, comprising from 4 to 11 carbon atoms, such as -caprolactone, -valerolactone, -butyrolactone, racemic or non-racemic -caprolactone, racemic or non-racemic -butyrolactone.

[0072] Thus, the (co)polymer used in step (i) of the method of the invention may be formed from at least one monomer of the aforementioned formula (II).

[0073] Preferably, the (co)polymer according to the invention is formed from at least -caprolactone.

[0074] The cyclic carbonates may more particularly be of the following formula (III):

##STR00003##

[0075] m being an integer between 1 and 3, preferably m has a value of 1 or 2;

[0076] said monomers optionally being substituted, on one or more of the carbon atoms of the ring, with one or more substituents R as defined above.

[0077] As an example of cyclic carbonate monomer, we may mention trimethylene carbonate and derivatives thereof.

[0078] According to a particular embodiment, the polymer according to the invention may be a homopolymer formed from a monomer of the lactone type, for example a poly(-caprolactone) (PCL) homopolymer.

[0079] According to another variant embodiment, the polymer according to the invention is a copolymer obtained from at least one monomer of the lactone type, for example -caprolactone and at least one monomer of the cyclic carbonate type, for example trimethylene carbonate. As an example, it may be a poly(-caprolactone) (PCL)/poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) copolymer.

[0080] Preparation of the (Co)Polymer

[0081] Initiator

[0082] As stated above, the (co)polymerization reaction, for arriving at the polymer functionalized with free hydroxyl functions, is carried out in the presence of an organic molecule, called initiator, bearing at least three hydroxyl functions.

[0083] Initiator denotes, according to the invention, an organic molecule comprising at least three hydroxyl functions (OH).

[0084] Preferably, the initiator is an organic molecule having from three to five hydroxyl functions, preferably three or four hydroxyl functions, and in particular three hydroxyl functions.

[0085] As examples of said initiator molecule, we may mention for example pentaerythritol or glycerol.

[0086] The initiator may more particularly have a number-average molecular weight from 90 to 1000 g/mol, in particular from 90 to 350 g/mol.

[0087] At the end of (co)polymerization, the initiator will be integrated with the macromolecular chain. At the end of (co)polymerization, the (co)polymer chains thus have terminal hydroxyl functions.

[0088] The initiator molecule or molecules may be used in a cyclic monomer(s)/initiator(s) molar ratio between 1/30 and 1/10000, in particular between 1/300 and 1/4000.

[0089] Catalyst

[0090] The ring-opening (co)polymerization reaction of the monomers of the lactone and/or cyclic carbonate type may advantageously be catalysed.

[0091] A person skilled in the art is able to select the catalysts that are suitable for the ring-opening (co)polymerization reaction. Examples of catalysts for the copolymerization of carbonates and of functionalized lactones are described for example in work [2].

[0092] They may be for example a substituted phosphorus-containing compound, such as diphenyl phosphate (DPP), or else metal compounds such as tin diethylhexanoate (Sn(Oct).sub.2).

[0093] Said catalyst or catalysts may be used in a molar ratio of catalyst/hydroxyl functions of the initiator, between 4/1 and 1/10, in particular between 1/1 and 1/3.

[0094] A person skilled in the art is able to adjust the operating conditions of the (co)polymerization reaction.

[0095] The monomer or monomers of the lactone and/or cyclic carbonate type may be used at a rate from 90 to 99 wt %, in particular from 95 to 99 wt %, relative to the total weight of the mixture of monomer(s), initiator(s) and catalyst(s).

[0096] In particular, the (co)polymerization reaction may be carried out at a temperature from 20 to 110 C., in particular from 40 to 80 C.

[0097] The polymerization time may be between 2 hours and 4 days, in particular between 1 and 2 days.

[0098] The reaction is preferably carried out with stirring in a solvent medium or in the bulk.

[0099] It may be carried out continuously, semi-continuously or discontinuously in a reactor.

[0100] Preferably, the reaction is carried out in a solvent medium, typically formed from one or more non-polar aprotic solvents, in particular selected from toluene, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran and mixtures thereof, preferably in toluene.

[0101] At the end of (co)polymerization, the (co)polymer may be submitted to one or more purification steps, for example by precipitation in one or more polar solvents, typically methanol, and recovered by filtration.

[0102] The (co)polymer obtained according to the invention advantageously has a number-average molecular weight, designated Mn, greater than or equal to 3 kg.Math.mol.sup.1, in particular between 9 and 120 kg.Math.mol.sup.1 and more particularly between 30 and 80 kg.Math.mol.sup.1.

[0103] The number-average molecular weight may be measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). It may be monitored from the molar ratio of said monomer or monomers to the initiator.

[0104] Preferably, the (co)polymer synthesized according to the invention may have a polydispersity index, reflecting good uniformity of chain lengths of the (co)polymer, less than or equal to 2, preferably less than or equal to 1.5.

[0105] Said (co)polymer or (co)polymers may represent more than 70 wt %, in particular more than 80 wt % and notably more than 90 wt %, of the total weight of the composition in step (i) of the method of the invention, except solvent(s).

[0106] Crosslinking Agent

[0107] The composition used in step (i) of the method of the invention comprises at least one organic molecule, called crosslinking agent.

[0108] Crosslinking agent denotes, in the sense of the invention, an organic molecule bearing at least two reactive functions, capable of allowing, under the action of external stimulation, in particular under the action of heat and/or UV radiation, crosslinking of the (co)polymer as defined above.

[0109] More particularly, the crosslinking agent used according to the invention may be selected from: [0110] organic molecules, called thermo-activatable, having at least two reactive functions, designated F1, each of the functions being able to interact, under the action of heat, with a hydroxyl function to form a covalent bond; [0111] organic molecules, called photo-activatable, having a function F1 able to interact, under the action of heat, with a hydroxyl function to form a covalent bond; and at least one photosensitive function F2, reactive under the action of UV radiation, in the presence of at least one photoinitiator compound.

[0112] It is to be understood that said molecule or molecules used as crosslinking agent are soluble in the solvent medium of the composition of (co)polymers used in step (i) of the method of the invention.

[0113] Soluble signifies that, in the application conditions, it is possible to dissolve said crosslinking agent at a rate of at least 1 g per 100 g of solvent medium.

[0114] According to a particular embodiment, the crosslinking agent used according to the invention may be of the following formula (IV):

F1-E-G(IV),

[0115] in which:

[0116] F1 is a function able to interact, under the action of heat, with a hydroxyl function to form a covalent bond;

[0117] E is an organic spacer group; and

[0118] G represents either a function F1, identical to or different from the first function F1; or a photosensitive function F2, reactive under UV radiation.

[0119] The organic spacer group E may be more particularly a single bond or a hydrocarbon-containing group, in particular comprising from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and optionally comprising one or more unsaturations and/or one or more heteroatoms.

[0120] Advantageously, the spacer group E is of low steric hindrance. Low steric hindrance of the crosslinking agents makes it possible to increase their reactivity with the hydroxyl functions of the (co)polymer or (co)polymers, and thus reduce the duration of the crosslinking step of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers.

[0121] In particular, E represents an alkylene group, linear or branched, preferably linear, having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0122] The function F1 is activatable under the effect of an external stimulus, in particular under the action of heat, to create a covalent bond after reaction with a hydroxyl function.

[0123] Preferably, by reacting with a hydroxyl function, the function F1 is able to establish a covalent bond of the urethane type.

[0124] In particular, the function F1 may be an isocyanate function (NCO).

[0125] According to a first variant embodiment, said crosslinking agent is an organic molecule having at least two functions, designated F1, preferably two functions F1, each of the functions being able to interact with a hydroxyl function to form a covalent bond, under the effect of external stimulation, in particular under the action of heat.

[0126] In particular, said organic molecule, used as a crosslinking agent, may be of the aforementioned formula (IV), in which G represents a function F1, identical to or different from the first function F1, preferably identical.

[0127] Preferably, said functions F1 are isocyanate functions.

[0128] A crosslinking agent of this kind is able to allow, under the action of heat, the crosslinking of the (co)polymer as defined above, by interaction of the isocyanate functions with the pendent hydroxyl functions of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers.

[0129] Thermo-activatable crosslinking agent denotes a crosslinking agent that requires the action of heat to lead to crosslinking of the (co)polymer.

[0130] Thus, according to a particular embodiment, the method of the invention employs, as crosslinking agent, at least one organic molecule bearing at least two isocyanate functions, in particular bearing two isocyanate functions.

[0131] Preferably, the crosslinking agent is selected from the aliphatic diisocyanates. For example, the following may be mentioned as aliphatic diisocyanate compound: hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), bis(4-isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane (hydrogenated MDI, H.sub.12MDI), hydrogenated xylylene diisocyanate (H.sub.6XDI) and m-tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI).

[0132] According to a particular embodiment, the crosslinking agent is hexamethylene diiosocyanate.

[0133] According to a particular embodiment, the crosslinking agent is used in the composition of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers, in conjunction with at least one catalyst of the coupling reaction between a hydroxyl function and the function F1, in particular isocyanate.

[0134] Said catalysts may be selected more particularly from the tertiary amines such as 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), 1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (quinuclidine), 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU, CAS: 6674-22-2), 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN, CAS: 3001-72-7), 3,3,6,9,9-pentamethyl-2,10-diazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-1-ene, tin chloride, organometallic compounds such as metal acetonylacetates, organometallic tin compounds, calcium hexanoate, calcium 2-ethylhexanoate, calcium octanoate and calcium linoleate, dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL, CAS: 75-58-7), bismuth tris(2-ethylhexanoate) and zinc bis(2-ethylhexanoate), sulphonimides, such as bis(trifluoromethane)sulphonimide (TFMI, CAS: 82113-65-3), sulphonic acids, such as trifluoromethanesulphonic acid (triflic acid), p-toluenesulphonic acid (PTSA, CAS: 104-15-4) and methanesulphonic acid (MSA, CAS: 75-75-2), phosphated derivatives, such as diphenyl phosphate (DPP, CAS: 838-85-7).

[0135] Preferably the catalyst is selected from 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU), 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene (DBN), dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL), bis(trifluoromethane), triflic acid, p-toluenesulphonic acid (PTSA), methanesulphonic acid (MSA) and diphenyl phosphate (DPP).

[0136] According to a particular embodiment, the catalyst is dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL).

[0137] Said catalyst or catalysts may be used at a rate of 0.1 to 5 wt %, preferably from 0.5 to 1 wt %, relative to the total weight of the composition.

[0138] According to another variant embodiment, said crosslinking agent is an organic molecule possessing a function F1 able to interact, under the action of heat, with a hydroxyl function to form a covalent bond, in particular an isocyanate function; and at least one function F2 that is reactive under UV radiation.

[0139] Photo-activatable crosslinking agent denotes a crosslinking agent that requires the action of UV radiation, to lead to crosslinking of the (co)polymer.

[0140] Said function or functions F2 may be selected more particularly from so-called photosensitive functions, able to react under the action of UV radiation and in the presence of a photo-initiating compound (or photoinitiator).

[0141] These photosensitive functions are familiar to a person skilled in the art. They may be for example functions with ethylenic unsaturation(s).

[0142] Function with ethylenic unsaturation(s) means a radical containing at least one unsaturated ethylene function, photo- or thermo-polymerizable.

[0143] Preferably, the function with ethylenic unsaturation(s) is selected from the (meth)acrylate and allyl functions.

[0144] In particular, said organic molecule, used as crosslinking agent, may correspond to the aforementioned formula (IV), in which F1 is as defined above, in particular F1 represents an isocyanate function; and G represents a function F2, in particular a function with ethylenic unsaturation(s), in particular a (meth)acrylate or allyl function.

[0145] As an example, the crosslinking agent may be methacryloyloxyethyl isocyanate.

[0146] According to a particular embodiment, when using a crosslinking agent bearing at least one photosensitive function F2, the crosslinking agent is used in the composition of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers in conjunction with at least one photoinitiator.

[0147] Photoinitiator denotes a chemical compound which, under the action of UV radiation, makes it possible to activate the reaction of a function F2 with another function F2.

[0148] As an example, we may mention radical photoinitiators, such as phosphine oxides, for example diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (TPO).

[0149] Said photoinitiator compound or compounds are generally used in a molar ratio photoinitiator(s)/photosensitive function(s) of about 1/10.

[0150] Said molecule or molecules, used as crosslinking agent, may be commercially available. Alternatively, they may be obtained prior to carrying out the method of the invention.

[0151] In particular, said molecule or molecules, used as crosslinking agents and said (co)polymer or (co)polymers may be used in a stoichiometric molar ratio.

[0152] Ionic Conductive Salt

[0153] The precursor mixture of the solid electrolyte further comprises at least one ionic conductive salt, to provide conduction of ions, such as a lithium salt when the electrolyte is intended for a lithium battery.

[0154] It may be a salt of an alkali metal or a salt of an alkaline-earth metal.

[0155] The alkali metal salt may be for example a lithium salt or a sodium salt; the alkaline-earth metal salt may be for example a magnesium salt.

[0156] As examples of lithium salt, we may mention LiPF.sub.6, LiClO.sub.4, LiBF.sub.4, LiAsF.sub.6, LiCF.sub.3SO.sub.3, LiN(C.sub.2F.sub.5SO.sub.2).sub.2, lithium bistrifluoromethylsulphonylimide LiN[SO.sub.2CF.sub.3].sub.2 (known by the abbreviation LiTF SI), lithium bis(fluorosulphonyl)amide LiN[SO.sub.2F].sub.2 (known by the abbreviation LiFSI) and mixtures thereof.

[0157] Preferably, the electrolyte comprises, as lithium salt, LiPF.sub.6 or LiTFSI, preferably LiTFSI. Said salt or salts, for example lithium salt, may be present, in the composition in step (i), in a content from 10 to 80 wt %, in particular from 15 to 30 wt %, relative to the weight of said copolymer or copolymers.

[0158] Solvent Medium

[0159] It is to be understood that the nature of said solvent or solvents of the precursor composition of the solid electrolyte according to the invention, used in step (i), is selected taking into account the nature of the compounds used, in particular the nature of the crosslinking agent and or of said copolymers.

[0160] Said solvent or solvents are more particularly polar organic solvents.

[0161] As examples, they may be selected from acetone, tetrahydrofuran (THF) and mixtures thereof.

[0162] Preferably, the solvent medium is tetrahydrofuran.

[0163] Said solvent or solvents may represent from 50 to 95 wt % of the total weight of said composition, in particular from 75 to 90 wt %.

[0164] Preferably, the composition used in step (i) is free from plasticizing additive.

[0165] Precursor Film of the Electrolyte

[0166] A second step of the method of the invention consists of forming a dry film from the precursor composition of the solid electrolyte.

[0167] Dry film signifies that the film comprises less than 20 wt % of solvent, in particular less than 10 wt % and more particularly less than 5 wt % of solvent.

[0168] The dry film preferably has a thickness between 10 and 200 m, in particular between 20 and 80 m.

[0169] According to a particular embodiment, the dry film may be formed on the surface of a substrate and then optionally separated from said substrate to form a self-supporting film. The dry film may be obtained by any technique known by a person skilled in the art, for example by a method called casting/evaporation, involving at least the following steps: [0170] depositing said precursor mixture in one or more solvents on the surface of the substrate; and [0171] evaporating said solvent or solvents.

[0172] It may also be obtained by coating followed by drying in conditions allowing evaporation of said solvent or solvents.

[0173] For example, said solvent or solvents may be evaporated at room temperature by subjecting the mixture deposited on the surface of the substrate to ventilation.

[0174] Various kinds of substrate may be used. It may be of glass, alumina or of polypropylene. According to a variant embodiment, the substrate may be one of the electrodes of the electrochemical system for which the solid electrolyte according to the invention is intended.

[0175] For example, for preparing a solid electrolyte intended for a lithium battery, the substrate may be a lithiated electrode.

[0176] The dry film obtained may optionally be separated from the substrate, to give a self-supporting film.

[0177] According to another variant embodiment, especially when the crosslinking agent is selected from photo-activatable organic molecules, as defined above, the precursor composition of said electrolyte may be dried in conditions favourable to removal of said solvent or solvents, and then formed into a film, for example by hot pressing or by extrusion.

[0178] When using, as crosslinking agent, one or more organic molecules bearing a function F1, in particular an isocyanate function, and at least one function F2, in particular a (meth)acrylate or allyl function, the composition may be brought, prior to forming, to a temperature favourable to interaction of the functions F1 with the hydroxyl functions of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers, to form covalent bonds.

[0179] A person skilled in the art is able to adjust the conditions of evaporation of the solvent or solvents to obtain the desired dry film.

[0180] The method of forming the precursor composition of the solid electrolyte according to the invention, to obtain a dry film, and notably the conditions of drying, are selected, notably taking into account the nature of the crosslinking agent, so as not to initiate crosslinking of said copolymer or copolymers according to the invention.

[0181] Crosslinking of the Film

[0182] Once the dry film has been obtained, it is submitted in step (iii) to conditions favourable to crosslinking of said (co)polymer chain or chains.

[0183] It is to be understood that the conditions of crosslinking of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers are adjusted having regard to the nature of said organic molecule or molecules used as crosslinking agent.

[0184] Thus, in the case of using a thermo-activatable organic molecule, having at least two functions F1, in particular isocyanate, as described above, crosslinking may be carried out in step (iii) by bringing said dry film to a temperature favourable to reaction of the functions F1, in particular isocyanate functions, with the hydroxyl functions of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers.

[0185] A person skilled in the art is able to adjust the temperature and the duration of crosslinking, to achieve a sufficient degree of crosslinking to obtain the desired performance for the solid electrolyte.

[0186] Thus, the crosslinking in step (iii), by reaction of the isocyanate functions with the hydroxyl functions, may be carried out at a temperature between 60 and 120 C., in particular between 80 and 100 C., and for a time from 5 minutes to 1 hour.

[0187] In the case of isocyanate functions F1, the (co)polymer chains according to the invention will thus be linked together, at the end of the crosslinking, via covalent bonds of the urethane type (NHC(O)O).

[0188] According to another variant embodiment, in the case of using a photo-activatable organic molecule, having a function F1, in particular isocyanate, and at least one photosensitive function F2, activatable in the presence of a photoinitiator compound, for example a (meth)acrylate or allyl function, crosslinking may be carried out in step (iii) by the following step or steps:

[0189] (a) optionally, in the case when the functions F1 did not react during forming of the dry film with the hydroxyl functions of said (co)polymer or (co)polymers, bring said film to a temperature favourable to interaction of said functions F1, in particular isocyanate, with said hydroxyl functions; and

[0190] (b) subject said dry film to UV radiation favourable to activation of the functions F2, in particular (meth)acrylate or allyl,

[0191] where steps (a) and (b) may be carried out consecutively, in that order, or simultaneously.

[0192] In particular, crosslinking under UV radiation may be effected by exposing the dry film to UV radiation of wavelength between 200 and 400 nm.

[0193] The duration of crosslinking may be between 30 seconds and 5 minutes, in particular between 30 seconds and 2 minutes.

[0194] The crosslinked polymer electrolyte film, obtained at the end of the method of the invention, may if necessary easily be separated from the substrate on which it is formed, to give a self-supporting film of solid electrolyte.

[0195] The film of solid electrolyte according to the invention may have a thickness between 10 and 100 m, in particular between 15 and 60 m.

[0196] Electrochemical System

[0197] The solid polymer electrolyte obtained according to the invention may advantageously be used as a solid electrolyte in an electrochemical system.

[0198] The electrochemical system may be a system for electrochemical generation, conversion or storage. It may more particularly be a fuel cell, for example a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC); a primary or secondary battery, for example a lithium, sodium, magnesium, potassium or calcium battery; a lithium-air or lithium-sulphur accumulator. According to a particular embodiment, the solid electrolyte is used in a battery, in particular in a lithium battery, notably a lithium-ion or lithium-metal battery.

[0199] In particular, according to another of its aspects, the invention further relates to an electrode/electrolytic membrane assembly, comprising a crosslinked polymer electrolyte film according to the invention.

[0200] An electrochemical system according to the invention generally comprises at least one positive electrode and one negative electrode between which there is a film of solid electrolyte acting both as ionic conductor and separator between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0201] The positive electrode of a lithium battery generally comprises, as electrochemically active material, lamellar compounds such as LiCoO.sub.2, LiNiO.sub.2 and mixed Li(Ni, Co, Mn, Al)O.sub.2, or compounds with a spinel structure with compositions close to LiMn.sub.2O.sub.4, lithium phosphates, in particular LiFePO.sub.4.

[0202] Advantageously, the positive electrode comprises, as electrochemically active material, LiNi.sub.1/3Mn.sub.1/3Co.sub.1/3O.sub.2 or LiCoO.sub.2, preferably LiNi.sub.1/3Mn.sub.1/3Co.sub.1/3O.sub.2.

[0203] The negative electrode generally comprises, as electrochemically active material, lithium metal in the case of primary accumulators, or intercalation materials such as graphitic carbon, or lithiated titanium oxide (Li.sub.4Ti.sub.5O.sub.12), in the case of accumulators based on lithium-ion technology.

[0204] Advantageously, it may be a lithium-metal battery, comprising an electrode of metallic lithium Li.sup.0 and an electrode comprising LiNi.sub.1/3Mn.sub.1/3Co.sub.1/3O.sub.2 or LiCoO.sub.2, preferably LiNi.sub.1/3Mn.sub.1/3Co.sub.1/3O.sub.2.

[0205] The invention will now be described by means of the following examples and figures, given of course for purposes of illustration, and not limiting the invention.

EXAMPLE

Example 1

[0206] 1.1. Preparation of the Solid Electrolytes

[0207] Preparation of the Polyester (Polycaprolactone) Functionalized with Hydroxyl Functions

[0208] A 50-mL flask is charged with 20 mg of pentaerythritol (1.4710.sup.4 mol; 1 equivalent), 10 g of -caprolactone (8.7710.sup.2 mol; 597 equivalents), 100 mg of diphenyl phosphate (410.sup.4 mol; 2.72 equivalents) and dissolved in 10 mL of toluene. The whole is placed under argon, with mechanical stirring, at 50 C. for 48 hours.

[0209] The mixture is cooled to room temperature, and then diluted with 50 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF), before being precipitated in methanol (500 mL). After filtration, the precipitate is dried under vacuum at 40 C. for 48 hours.

[0210] Formation of the Film of Solid Electrolyte

[0211] 400 mg of the synthesized polycaprolactone is dissolved in 2 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF), in the presence of 100 mg of lithium salt LiTFSI and 33 mg of hexamethylene diisocyanate, and 10 L of dibutyltin dilaurate.

[0212] The mixture is homogenized, degassed under vacuum and then poured into a polypropylene Petri dish. The Petri dish is put somewhere flat, under ventilation so that the solvent evaporates.

[0213] Once dry, the film obtained is exposed to a temperature of 80 C. for crosslinking by reaction of the isocyanate functions with the hydroxyl functions.

[0214] Comparative

[0215] For comparison, an electrolyte film based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone is formed. For this purpose, 400 mg of the synthesized polycaprolactone is dissolved in 2 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF), in the presence of 100 mg of lithium salt LiTFSI. The mixture is used in the form of a film, by solvent evaporation, in the conditions described above.

[0216] 1.2. Characterization of the Electrolytes

[0217] Chemical CharacterizationIR Spectrum

[0218] FIG. 1 shows the infrared spectra, of the electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone according to the invention (crosslinked PCL:LiTFSI (4:1)) and of the electrolyte based on linear polycaprolactone (not crosslinked) (PCL:LiTFSI (4:1)), respectively.

[0219] Comparison of the IR spectra shows that there is formation of urethane bonds in the crosslinked polymer, which is evidence of the reaction between the isocyanate functions of the crosslinking organic molecule, and the hydroxyl functions of the polycaprolactone.

[0220] Thermomechanical Characterization of the Supramolecular Polymer Material

[0221] Thermomechanical characterization of the electrolyte materials was performed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), using a Malvern Gemini 2 rheometer, with steel plate/plate geometry with temperature controlled by a Peltier element (20 C.-180 C.).

[0222] The material is evaluated by DMA during a temperature scan under stress, subjecting the material to a shear strain at a frequency, called the stressing frequency, of 1 Hz and a shear strain of 0.5% for the electrolyte material based on non-crosslinked linear polycaprolactone and of 5% for the electrolyte material based on crosslinked polycaprolactone according to the invention.

[0223] FIG. 2 shows the variation of the storage modulus G (also called elastic modulus) and of the damping factor tan delta=G/G (which characterize the viscous part of the material) for the polycaprolactone material alone (PCL), for the electrolyte based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone (PCL+salt) not according to the invention and for the electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone according to the invention (crosslinked PCL+salt).

[0224] DMA makes it possible to validate the absence of crystallinity in the solid electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone according to the invention. It also validates the absence of creep at high temperature (constant elastic modulus G).

[0225] Electrochemical Properties

[0226] Ionic Conductivity

[0227] Each of the electrolytes is mounted in a button cell, between two Li.sup.0 electrodes, to obtain their ionic conductions as a function of temperature.

[0228] The results are shown in FIG. 3. The solid electrolyte according to the invention makes it possible to reach a conductivity of 3.10.sup.5 S.Math.cm.sup.1 at 60 C.

[0229] Electrochemical Stability

[0230] Each of the electrolytes is tested in a Li.sup.0/electrolyte/stainless steel button cell.

[0231] The curves of cyclic voltammetry obtained for the first scanning cycle, at a temperature of 80 C. for a scanning rate of 1 mV/s, with the electrolyte based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone and of the electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone according to the invention, are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively.

[0232] The electrolyte based on linear polycaprolactone shows oxidation stability up to 4.1 V vs. Li.sup.0/Li.

[0233] The electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone according to the invention is stable in oxidation up to 4.5 V vs. Li.sup.0/Li.

[0234] Cycling in a Symmetric Cell Li vs Li

[0235] Each of the solid electrolytes is incorporated in a symmetric cell Li.sup.0/electrolyte/Li.sup.0.

[0236] Electrochemical tests are carried out in galvanostatic cycling, at different current densities per stage of 4 hours at a temperature of 60 C.

[0237] The cycling curves obtained with the electrolyte based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone (PCL:LiTFSI (4:1)) and with the electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone according to the invention (crosslinked PCL:LiTFSI (4:1)), are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively.

[0238] Cycling in a Battery Li.sup.0 vs. LiNi.sub.1/3Mn.sub.1/3Co.sub.1/3O.sub.2

[0239] Each of the solid electrolytes is incorporated in a battery Li.sup.0 vs. LiNi.sub.1/3Mn.sub.1/3Co.sub.1/3O.sub.2. Electrochemical tests are carried out in galvanostatic cycling with a C/20 regime at a temperature of 60 C.

[0240] The cycling curve obtained with the electrolyte based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone (PCL:LiTFS1 (4:1)) is shown in FIG. 8. The electrolyte based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone does not allow the battery to be charged effectively. Charging is heavily disturbed by lithium dendrite growth.

[0241] In contrast, the electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone according to the invention allows effective charging of the battery of 2.5 mAh with a capacity of 130 mAh.Math.g.sup.1 in the first cycle at 60 C. in a C/20 regime.

Example 2

[0242] 2.1. Preparation of the Solid Electrolytes

[0243] Preparation of the Polycaprolactone/Polytrimethylene Carbonate Copolymer Functionalized with Hydroxyl Functions

[0244] A 50-mL flask is charged with 13.5 mg of glycerol (1.4710.sup.4 mol; 1 equivalent), 9.05 g of -caprolactone (7.9410.sup.2 mol; 540 equivalents), 0.90 g of trimethylene carbonate (8.8210.sup.3 mol; 60 equivalents), 100 mg of diphenyl phosphate (410.sup.4 mol; 2.72 equivalents) and dissolved in 10 mL of toluene. The whole is placed under argon, with mechanical stirring, at 50 C. for 48 hours.

[0245] The mixture is cooled to room temperature, and then diluted with 50 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF) before being precipitated in methanol (500 mL). After filtration, the precipitate is dried under vacuum at 40 C. for 48 hours.

[0246] Formation of the Film of Solid Electrolyte

[0247] 400 mg of the synthesized copolymer is dissolved in 2 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF) in the presence of 100 mg of lithium salt LiTFSI and 33 mg of hexamethylene diisocyanate and 10 L of dibutyltin dilaurate.

[0248] The mixture is homogenized, degassed under vacuum and then poured into a polypropylene Petri dish. The Petri dish is put somewhere flat and under ventilation so that the solvent evaporates.

[0249] Once dry, the film obtained is placed at a temperature of 80 C. for crosslinking by reaction of the isocyanate functions with the hydroxyl functions.

[0250] Comparative

[0251] For comparison, an electrolyte film based on non-crosslinked polycaprolactone/polytrimethylene carbonate copolymer is formed.

[0252] For this purpose, 400 mg of the synthesized polycaprolactone/polytrimethylene copolymer is dissolved in 2 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF), in the presence of 100 mg of lithium salt LiTFSI. The mixture is formed into a film, by solvent evaporation, in the conditions described above.

[0253] 2.2. Characterization and Performance of the Electrolytes

[0254] Electrochemical Properties

[0255] The results in terms of ionic conductivity as a function of temperature, obtained in a button cell between two Li.sup.0 electrodes, are shown in FIG. 9. The solid electrolyte according to the invention makes it possible to reach advantageous performance at lower temperature, i.e. a conductivity of 6.10.sup.6 S.Math.cm.sup.1 at 25 C.

[0256] Cycling in a Battery Li.sup.0 vs. LiNi.sub.1/3Mn.sub.1/3Co.sub.1/3O.sub.2

[0257] The solid electrolyte is incorporated in a battery Li.sup.0 vs. LiNi.sub.1/3Mn.sub.1/3Co.sub.1/3O.sub.2. Electrochemical tests are carried out in galvanostatic cycling with a C/20 regime at a temperature of 60 C.

[0258] The electrolyte based on crosslinked polycaprolactone/polytrimethylene carbonate copolymer (PCLcoPTMC) according to the invention allows effective charging of a battery of 2.5 mAh with a capacity of 80 mAh.Math.g.sup.1 in the first cycle at 60 C. in a C/20 regime.

Example 3

[0259] Preparation of the Polyester (Polycaprolactone) Functionalized with Hydroxyl Functions

[0260] A 50-mL flask is charged with 20 mg of pentaerythritol (1.4710.sup.4 mol; 1 equivalent), 10 g of -caprolactone (8.7710.sup.2 mol; 597 equivalents), 0.90 g of trimethylene carbonate (8.8210.sup.3 mol; 60 equivalents), 100 mg of diphenyl phosphate (410.sup.4 mol; 2.72 equivalents) and dissolved in 10 mL of toluene. The whole is placed under argon, with mechanical stirring, at 50 C. for 48 hours.

[0261] The mixture is cooled to room temperature, and then diluted with 50 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF) before being precipitated in methanol (500 mL). After filtration, the precipitate is dried under vacuum at 40 C. for 48 hours.

[0262] Formation of the Film of Solid Electrolyte

[0263] 400 mg of the synthesized polycaprolactone is dissolved in 2 mL of tetrahydrofuran (THF) in the presence of 100 mg of lithium salt LiTFSI, 60 mg of methacryloyloxyethyl isocyanate and 5 mg of diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide.

[0264] The mixture is homogenized, dried under vacuum and then heated to a temperature of 80 C. for reaction of the isocyanate functions with the hydroxyl functions.

[0265] This electrolyte is formed (by hot pressing or by extrusion), and then crosslinked under UV irradiation (80 W at a wavelength of 365 nm).

LIST OF DOCUMENTS CITED

[0266] [1] Mindemark, Journal of Power Sources 298 (2015) 166-170. [0267] [2] Undin et al., Polymer 87 (2016) 17-25.