Polyelectrolytes for LiO 2 Batteries Synthetic Chemistry and

Polyelectrolytes for Li-O 2 Batteries: Synthetic Chemistry and the next Generation Lithium Battery Ross Wylie, Ph. D Year 1, Chemical Engineering, #coolpolymers @engunimelb Introduction The Lithium-Oxygen (Li-O 2) battery is a new type of battery that seeks to meet the demand for affordable, high -density energy storage and encourage the widespread adoption of clean renewable energy. However, Li-O 2 batteries have notoriously unstable components which can cause explosions! I seek to solve this issue using polymers – the same class of material found in bank notes, paints and clothing fibres – to create an inherently safe electrolyte. This essential material is responsible for transporting charged lithium ions through the battery during charge and operation.

Polyelectrolytes for Li-O 2 Batteries: Synthetic Chemistry and the next Generation Lithium Battery Ross Wylie, Ph. D Year 1, Chemical Engineering, #coolpolymers @engunimelb Methods & Results The challenge lies in creating an electrolyte material which can act like a liquid, but remain chemically and mechanically stable like a solid. As such, the project will utilise synthetic chemistry to develop a polymer electrolyte from a number of new and untried polymer species and architectures. After thorough testing for electrolytic properties such as conductivity, a polymer capable of efficient lithium ion transport will be developed. The Li -O 2 battery will be one step closer to use in your phone, electric car, or offgrid energy storage system! Penetrating Network Architecture 5 X Greater Capacity Star Polymer Architecture

Polyelectrolytes for Li-O 2 Batteries: Synthetic Chemistry and the next Generation Lithium Battery Ross Wylie, Ph. D Year 1, Chemical Engineering, #coolpolymers @engunimelb References • • • References • Hallinan Jr, D. T. & Balsara, N. P. Polymer Electrolytes. Annu. Rev. Mater Res 43, 503– 525 (2013). • Lambermont-Thijs, H. M. L. , Fijten, M. W. M. , Schubert, U. S. & Hoogenboom, R. Star-shaped Poly(2 -oxazoline)s by dendrimer endcapping. Aust. J. Chem. 64, 1026– 1032 (2011). • Kempe, K. , Lobert, M. , Hoogenboom, R. & Schubert, U. S. Synthesis and characterization of a series of diverse poly(2 -oxazoline)s. J. Polym. Sci. Part A Polym. Chem. 47, 3829– 3838 (2009). Images: • www. soarboards. com, Zero G Hands Free Segway / 2 Wheel Self Balancing Scooter / Hoverboard, Licensed under Creative Commons: https: //creativecommons. org/licenses/by/2. 0/ Downloaded from: https: //www. flickr. com/photos/136833700@N 04/22033980711/ on Aug 17 th • User Skitterphoto, Inferno, Licensed under Creative Commons: https: //creativecommons. org/publicdomain/zero/1. 0/deed. en Downloaded from: https: //pixabay. com/en/flame-fire-inferno-orange-burning-726268/ on 17 th Aug • User Mimzy, Pokemon Go on a Phone, Licensed under Creative Commons: https: //creativecommons. org/publicdomain/zero/1. 0/deed. en Downloaded from: https: //pixabay. com/en/pokemon-go-mobile-trends-1581771/ on 12 th August 2016 • User jniittymaa 0, Solar Panels, Licensed under Creative Commons: https: //creativecommons. org/publicdomain/zero/1. 0/deed. en Downloaded from https: //pixabay. com/en/solar-panel-sun-electricity-energy-1393880// on 12 th August 2016 • User Mikebirdy, Electric Car, Licensed under Creative Commons: https: //creativecommons. org/publicdomain/zero/1. 0/deed. en Downloaded from https: //pixabay. com/en/electric-car-electric-vehicle-1458836/ on 12 th August 2016 • User Dan Tentler, Fun with dry ice! Licences under Creative Commons: https: //creativecommons. org/licenses/by-nc/2. 0/ Downloaded from https: //www. flickr. com/photos/vissago/2871344096/in/photolist-5 m 39 t 1 -5 n. Joi. S-5 n. E 8 e 2 -5 n. E 8 t. R-5 n. Jo. Jq-9 svfm. D-5 n. Jo. N 7 -9 sydsb-9 syc. QQ-5 n. Joy. G 9 svfbg-5 n. E 8 DK-6 Eh. Nmc-ao. GPt 4 on 14 th August 2016 • User Meharris, Demonstration of a flexible OLED device, Licensed under Creative Commons: https: //creativecommons. org/licenses/by-sa/3. 0/ Downloaded from: https: //commons. wikimedia. org/wiki/File: OLED_Early. Product. JPG on 12 th August 2016 All polymer diagrams designed by the author of this work, Ross Wylie