The plastic-crystalline phase of succinonitrile as a universal matrix for solid-state ionic conductors.
Solid ionic conductors are actively sought for their potential application in electrochemical devices, particularly lithium batteries. We have found high ionic conductivity for a large variety of salts dissolved in the highly polar medium based on the plastic-crystal form of succinonitrile (N[triple bond]C[bond]CH(2)[bond]CH(2)[bond]C[triple bond]N). Its high diffusivity, plasticity and solvating power allowed the preparation of a large number of materials with high ionic conductivity, reaching values of 3 mS cm(-1) at 25 degrees C (two orders of magnitude above polymers). Their ease of preparation and processing allowed us to study the influence of the solute on ionic conduction within this medium. Comparisons revealed a dichotomy between plastic crystals and conventional polymer media. The usefulness of these new, easily processed electrolytes was asserted in electrochemical tests with lithium intercalation electrodes.
Alarco
Pierre-Jean
PJ
International Laboratory on Electro-Active Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal H3C 3J7, Canada.
Abu-Lebdeh
Yaser
Y
Abouimrane
Ali
A
Armand
Michel
M