The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Polymer electrolytes are promising candidates for solid-state ion conductors due to their flexibility and ease of processing. However, their ionic conductivity strongly depends on salt concentration, leading to a trade-off: increasing salt content improves ion transport but compromises mechanical strength, whereas reducing salt content maintains robustness but limits conductivity. Overcoming this trade-off remains a central challenge in electrolyte design.
In this study, we report the synthesis of a disulfide-containing lithium salt and its incorporation into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based polymer electrolytes. The disulfide moiety enables dynamic covalent exchange with the polymer matrix, promoting effective integration of the salt into the polymer phase. This salt-centered approach offers a strategy to enhance ion transport while preserving mechanical integrity in solid polymer electrolytes.