Hybrid inorganic-organic polymer electrolytes

Polymer electrolytes (PEs) are macromolecular systems capable of transporting charged species such as ions or protons. The main application of PEs is in energy conversion and storage devices such as batteries and fuel cells. The chapter overviews the synthesis, structure, physical and electrical properties of three classes of hybrid inorganic-organic PEs: three-dimensional hybrid inorganic-organic networks as polymer electrolytes (3D-HION-APE), zeolitic inorganic-organic polymer electrolytes (Z-IOPEs) and hybrid gel electrolytes (HGEs). The basic structure of the materials consists of organic macromolecules bridging inorganic clusters or species. The chapter also includes an overview of the methods used in the characterization of the structure and of the electrical conductivity of PEs, with a particular reference to the jump relaxation model. © 2010 Woodhead Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.