Mechanical Properties of Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Polyvinyl Alcohol-Based Solid Electrolytes

Abstract

The demand for flexible, lightweight, and long-lasting energy devices has stimulated interest in solid polymer blends. The conventional lithium-ion batteries use liquid electrolytes that are chemically unstable due to the presence of carbonates, which are highly volatile and flammable, creating a significant safety risk. Therefore, the need for the development of solid-state electrolytes that are safe, environmentally friendly, with robust mechanical properties. In this work, the solid polymer blend is explored using a mixture of a polymer matrix of polyvinylpyrrolidone/polyvinyl alcohol and lithium perchlorate salt. The produced films are characterized using a scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared. The mechanical properties of the flexible films are also measured using nanoindentation techniques, statistical deconvolution mapping, tensile tests, and fracture toughness measurements. (Young's modulus of 6.87 GPa, hardness of 1.3 GPa, tensile strength of 4.3 MPa, and fracture toughness of 0.81 MPa.m0.5) The implications of the results are then discussed for potential applications of robust solid polymer blends-based electrolytes.