Technological advances have produced tremendous growth in alternative energy utilization along with a steep drop in the cost of energy from both renewable and fossil fuel based resources. However, the capacity to store this energy for later use remains extremely limited, and as a result it is challenging and costly to supply energy for portable needs and applications. Batteries are electrochemical devices that can store electricity for use at a later time, and they are comprised of several components. First, there is an active electrochemical material that can store and/or generate charge through an electrochemical reaction, a conductive additive for transporting charges, an electrolyte for transporting ions between electrodes, and finally a binder for holding the electrode together and maintaining mechanical rigidity. Much of the research into batteries overlooks the impact of the binder, which comprises typically about 10 % of the entire battery. While this may appear to be a small fraction, the binder plays an incommensurate role in mechanical properties, rigidity, and stability. Prior studies have typically relied on nonactive polymeric binders, which contain no electrical or ionic conductivity. In this work, we proposed that the development of new polymeric binder materials could enhance battery storage capacities, improve mechanical properties, and lead to more flexible and portable devices for energy storage. Specifically, we focused on the use of electroactive polymers, which have both electrical and ionic conductivities. Our work demonstrated that electroactive polymers can enhance storage capacities and produce more robust and long-lasting electrodes for energy storage. We produced prototype batteries that were flexible and bendable, and demonstrated their use in a simple device. This work will lead to a new class of polymeric binders that simultaneously address ion and electron conduction, mechanical properties, and stability in the pursuit of high capacity battery cathodes.

Beyond the research accomplishments of this project, students at various levels from undergraduate to post-doctoral level received training and education related to the development of materials for energy storage. Five different graduate students were involved in the development of polymer binders, three of which have graduated and moved on to positions in industry and academia. These students received invaluable training on electrochemistry, polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, and device fabrication and testing. One undergraduate student worked on the project and received training on the development and application of electroactive materials. One post-doctoral researcher was trained in device fabrication of flexible batteries. Of all the participants, five were women. Participants in the lab also connected with the local community through outreach activities and events, including Expand Your Horizons, which serves to stimulate interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for school-age girls. Another activity was participation in the Science-As-Art Competition for the Materials Research Society, which stimulated public interest in STEM through graphic design. These various activities served to inspire young scientists to pursue careers in STEM, fostered lasting mentoring relationships for students, and to grow a vibrant pipeline students committed to the future of our community and capable of being articulate, engaged and transformative STEM leaders.

Last Modified: 12/31/2017
Modified by: Jodie Lutkenhaus