Improved performance of lithium ion battery by the incorporation of novel synthesized organic-inorganic hybrid nanoparticles SiO2-poly(methyl methacrylate-co-ureidopyrimidinone) in gel polymer electrolyte based on poly (vinylidene fluoride)

Novel gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) based on blends of poly (vinylidene-fluoride) (PVDF) with synthesized organic-inorganic hybrid nanoparticles were prepared by phase inversion process. The hybrid nanoparticles, SiO2-poly (methyl-methacrylate) (SiO2-PMMA) and SiO2-poly (methyl methacrylate-co-hydroxyl ethyl methacrylate) (SiO2–P (MMA-co-HEMA) were synthesized by free radical polymerization. Then, SiO2–P (MMA-co-HEMA) was functionalized by reacting UPy units including the multiple functional groups with hydroxyl groups on chains and SiO2 to form the physical network of SiO2–P (MMA-co-UPy). The chemical structure, crystallinity, porosity, electrolyte uptake, and mechanical and electrochemical properties of the prepared membrane were investigated. The results exhibited that the nanocomposites had more amorphous regions, high porosity, and large electrolyte uptake. Furthermore, SiO2–P (MMA-co-UPy) doped PVDF (GPE-S3) due to synergistic effects of the hybrid nanoparticles and the unique physical network with some functional groups showed the best performance. The GPE-S3 displayed the maximum ionic conductivity of 3.10 × 10−3 Scm−1 with electrochemical stability up to 4.8 V (vs. Li+/Li) and excellent interfacial compatibility with electrodes. The LiMn2O4/Li cells based on GPE-S3 had also a remarkable rate and cyclic performance. Moreover, it had a favorable modulus (54.6 MPa) at room temperature. [Display omitted] •Synthesis of organic-inorganic nanoparticles via free radical polymerization.•Preparation of porous PVDF/organic-inorganic nanoparticles by phase inversion process.•Preparation of GPEs by immersing membranes in 1 M LiClO4/PC solution.•Investigating of UPy units on the performance of synthesized GPEs.•The achievement of the GPEs with allowable performance for Li ion batteries application.