POLYMER ELECTROLYTE FROM STYROFOAM WASTE FOR LITHIUM BATTERY APPLICATION

• Main Author: SYNTHIA PRAMITHA BANGUN (NIM : 10506096); Pembimbing : Dr. I Made Arcana
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/17366
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Technology has become an inseparable part of people's life in this era of globalization. Nowadays, science and technology are progressing rapidly and have been releasing various outputs created to facilitate human life. Several types of portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and digital camera utilize Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries as a source of energy. The use of Li-ion batteries has a negative impact because the electrolyte solution in battery can contaminate the environment. Therefore, researchers are looking for solutions to overcome the problems posed by conventional Li-ion batteries. Various research on utilizing polymer electrolyte as separator in the manufacture of Li-ion batteries is being developed. This study is used styrofoam waste as raw material for the making of polymer electrolyte membrane. Polystyrene was isolated from styrofoam, and then sulfonated with acetyl sulfate. Polymer electrolyte membranes were prepared by mixing sulfonated polystyrene (SPS), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and solid LiClO4 with various compositions. Subsequently, the membranes were characterized through the analysis of functional groups by FTIR, surface morphology analysis by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), mechanical strength analysis with Tensile Tester Autograph, and conductivity analysis by Impedance Spectroscopy. The results showed that an increase of LiClO4s composition in membrane resulted in a decrease in mechanical strength of membrane and an increase in membrane's conductivity. Meanwhile, the addition of PHB increased mechanical strength and homogeneity of the membrane.