Charge distributions in poly(ethylene oxide)-based electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries

The understanding of the formation and movement of charges inside solid polymer electrolytes is a critical point of the research for the development of better lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In order to facilitate the understanding of the charge distributions, the Kelvin probe force microscopy with a reliable statistical data analysis approach has been used. As poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is a material used as an electrolyte in LIBs, the PEO and its salt compound with lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) were investigated with this approach. The transient formation and movement of internal potential and simultaneously the charge distribution were investigated with respect to time under biased and unbiased conditions.