title: The plastic-crystalline phase of succinonitrile as a universal matrix for solid-state ionic conductors.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: International Laboratory on Electro-Active Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Montreal, Montreal H3C 3J7, Canada.
authors.forename: Pierre-Jean
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Alarco
authors.forename: Yaser
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Abu-Lebdeh
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abouimrane
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Armand