The Overcharge Behavior of Polymer Electrolyte Cells

Polymer complexes formed by the reaction of an alkali metal salt and polyethylene-oxide (PEO) were first shown to be fast ion conductors at 100 C by Fenton and co-workers. Subsequently a large number of groups have shown an interest in the application of these polymeric solid materials. The encouraging results led to the use of these materials in solid state batteries as solid electrolytes. One such material (PEO)8.LiCF3SO3 exhibited sufficient conductivity and electrochemical stability. A major goal in battery research is to develop an all-solid-state rechargeable battery with the ability to store and to deliver energy efficiently and economically. Batteries based on alkali metal anodes such as lithium and insertion cathodes such as V6O13 or TiS2 have been the common systems under current study. The low equivalent weight and high negative electrode potential of lithium allow the fabrication of cells with high open-circuit voltages and high energy densities. Presented at the Electrochemical Society Meeting, 18-23 Oct 87.