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Batteries

Breakthrough in Polymer Materials for Sodium Metal Batteries

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have made a significant discovery in the field of polymer materials, specifically in the development of comb-chain network polymer electrolytes for sodium metal batteries. The research, funded by the National Science Foundation and the University of Pennsylvania Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, has shown promising results in terms of ion conductivity and mechanical properties. The study, published in ACS Applied Polymer Materials, has the potential to improve the performance of sodium metal batteries, which are critical for emerging energy storage technologies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers investigated the polymer network structure, ion conductivity, and mechanical properties of cross-linked poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) networks containing sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl imide) (NaFSI) salt.
  • The study explored two PGMA:PEG molar ratios (1:1 and 5:1) and three salt concentrations (Na+ to EO: (r) = 0.01, 0.0625, and 0.25).
  • The researchers observed that lower PGMA content results in higher hydrophilicity and lower cross-link density, leading to improved ion conductivity (0.5 x 10-4 S/cm at 25°C and 0.5 x 10-3 S/cm at 65°C).
  • The polymer electrolytes exhibited good mechanical properties, with elongation at strain between 125 and 140%, Young's modulus between 0.3 and 0.7 MPa, and toughness between 0.25 and 0.70 MJ/m³.
  • The comb-chain network SPEs have the potential to exhibit excellent cycling performance in emerging sodium metal batteries.

Statistics:

  • The total ion conductivity of the polymer electrolytes was measured at 0.5 x 10-3 S/cm at 65°C for the optimum composition (1:1) and salt concentration (r = 0.0625).
  • The elongation at strain for the polymer electrolytes was between 125 and 140%.
  • The Young's modulus for the polymer electrolytes was between 0.3 and 0.7 MPa.
  • The toughness of the polymer electrolytes was between 0.25 and 0.70 MJ/m³.

Sources:

  • The Polymer Structure-ion Conductivity-mechanical Property Relationship In Comb-chain Polymer Network Electrolytes for Sodium Metal Batteries. ACS Applied Polymer Materials, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Findings from University of Pennsylvania in Polymer Materials Reported (The Polymer Structure-ion Conductivity-mechanical Property Relationship In Comb-chain Polymer Network Electrolytes for Sodium Metal Batteries). Journal of Engineering. August 18, 2025; p 829.

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