Study on the Cycling Performance of Lithium-Air Cells assembled with Composite Gel Polymer Electrolyte

Abstract

Composite gel polymer electrolytes based on poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) copolymer and aluminum oxide were hybridized using simple solution casting method. The composite gel polymer electrolyte was stable toward attack by superoxide anion radical generated during electrochemical reaction. The composite gel polymer electrolyte exhibited an ionic conductivity of 2.7 x 10-4 S cm-1 at room temperature and alleviated the ether based electrolyte decomposition. Moreover, the composite gel polymer electrolyte showed electrochemical stability exceeding 5 V and dimensional stability when introduced between cathode and separator during cycling. Thus, the cycle performance of lithium-air cells employing composite gel polymer electrolyte improved as compared to that of lithium-air cell employing liquid electrolyte. The improved cycling performance could be attributed to suppression of the electrolyte decomposition.