The effect of mechanical excitation on performance of polymer batteries

The authors present a state-of-the-art report of mechanical excitation effects on ionic conductivity of electrolytes, discharge rates and performance of primary polymer batteries, and its related implications. A Li/polymer/Li cell was assembled. The polymer electrolyte comprised polyethylene oxide (PEO) doped with lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF₄). The data derived from impedance measurements on the Li/polymer/Li cell and discharge rate measurements of a commercially available polymer battery clearly demonstrate the effects of mechanical excitation on ionic conductivity. The discharge rate of the commercial primary polymer battery was also enhanced when excited by an ultrasonic device emitting a mixed frequency in the range of 40-400 kHz. The enhanced ionic conductivity of the LiBF₄ doped polymer electrolyte and discharge rates of commercially available batteries originate from mechanically induced polymer chain motion and its subsequent effect on the motion of charge carriers