Composite polymer electrolytes electrochemical devices

Abstract This chapter details the preparation and mechanism of polymer electrolytes and their applications in electrochemical fields, such as lithium ion batteries, fuel cells, alkahne batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, electrochromic devices and the like. Polymer electrolytes used in lithium ion batteries are divided into three categories solid, gel and composites. Recent progress made in these three categories is highlighted. Moreover, in addition to the lithium ion battery, appUcations of polymer electrolytes in other electrochemical fields and their ion conducting performance are also briefly described. 

The speed of p- and n-type doping and that of p-n junction formation depend on the ionic conductivity of the solid electrolyte. Because of the generally nonpolar characteristics of luminescent polymers like PPV, and the polar characteristics of solid electrolytes, the two components within the electroactive layer will phase separate. Thus, the speed of the electrochemical doping and the local densities of electrochemically generated p- and n-type carriers will depend on the diffusion of the counterions from the electrolyte into the luminescent semiconducting polymer. As a result, the response time and the characteristic performance of the LEC device will highly depend on the ionic conductivity of the solid electrolyte and the morphology and microstructure of the composite. 

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