Clay mineral composite powders for use in lithium batteries

Abstract

The thesis work deals with the laboratory preparation and characterization of clay mineral composites, which are prepared using the clays (montmorillonite and vermiculite), polymers (polyethylene oxide and polyvinylidene fluoride), and with or without the addition of conductive carbonaceous material (graphene oxide). The polymer/ clay composites have applications in Li-batteries as solid-state electrolytes. The properties of the samples were dependent on heat treatment, the chosen combination of different clays, polymers and carbon source, and its intercalation. The prepared powder samples were then characterized using X-Ray diffraction, Fourier transform- infrared spectroscopy, Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, Differential scanning calorimetry, and measurement of electrical conductivity. The thesis aims to analyze the prepared clay/polymer nanocomposites which could be employed as potential solid electrolytes in batteries