MCM-41 silica effect on gel polymer electrolytes based on thermoplastic polyurethane

Polymer electrolytes were prepared from thermoplastic polyurethane with addition of mixture of N-ethyl(methylether)-N-methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethanesulfonimide (PYRA 12O1TFSI) ionic liquid, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfoneimide) salt and propylene carbonate. MCM-41 mesoporous silica was added in proportions ranging from 5 to 20 wt.% with respect to TPU. The electrolytes were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, linear voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. The MCM-41 addition to the system was found to improve the electrochemical stability of the membranes and to reduce the gel electrolyte/metallic Li interfacial resistance. The filler influence on the ion transport processes was discussed according to results obtained by equivalent circuit fitting of impedance spectra.