Impact of Li and mechanics on polymer dynamics in perfluoropolyether based polymers

Lithium metal based batteries are next-generation energy storage devices. A major challenge to industrial application of these batteries is uneven Li deposition on anode which results in dendritic growth and poor coulombic efficiency (CE). We recently reported that perfluoropolyether polymer networks with evenly spaced H-bonding sites of various mechanical strengths are useful as coatings on Li anode surface and batteries prepared with coated polymers with a weaker mechanical strength (i.e. better flowability) exhibit higher CE. We now plan to probe the polymer dynamics using QENS experiment correlate that with the measured viscosity, mechanics and ionic conductivity at room temperature. We believe that this will help us to understand the charge transport mechanism in this new material.