Design of high ion conductivity in polymer/OIPC composite through understanding the effect of chemistry on structure and ion dynamics at polymer/OIPC interfaces
Abstract
In year 1 (January 2018 - August 2018, we have investigated the effects of flat polymer surfaces (polystyrene (PS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)) on the compatibility and interaction of organic ionic plastic crystals (OIPCs). We found that OIPC aggregates formed when the OIPC was spin coated onto PS surfaces, while a relatively smooth OIPC film was observed on PMMA surfaces, which indicates different compatibility of the OIPC on varying polymer surfaces. We have also investigated interfacial effects in OIPC/polymer nanoparticle composites. We found a significant effect of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanoparticles on the phase behaviour and ionic conductivity of OIPCs - decreasing phase transition entropy and enhanced ionic conductivity for the composites, which suggests less ordered OIPC was formed in the OIPC/PVDF nanocomposites. On the other hand, the addition of polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles increased the ordering of the OIPC with subsequent decrease of the ionic conductivity. For the effects of varying surface chemistry, we synthesized PS nanoparticles with neutral, positive and negative functional groups. We found enhanced conductivity and less ordered OIPC was formed in the composites with the modified particles. However, the functional groups were not chemically bound to the PS surface. New nanoparticles with chemically bound functional groups will be synthesized in the future.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 15, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710560
Entities
People
- Patrick C. Howlett
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Deakin University
- United States Army