The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Lithium metal batteries are widely used in portable electronics and electric vehicles for their high energy density and stable cycling. The separator prevents electrode contact and enables lithium-ion transport. However, commercial polyolefin separators like polypropylene and polyethylene have low electrolyte wettability and Li-ion affinity. To overcome this, ether-functionalized liquid crystalline (LC) monomers were synthesized via Aza-Michael addition and incorporated into LC polymer films. Surface treatments induced LC alignment, allowing investigation of how molecular orientation affects ion transport. LC alignment was confirmed by polarized optical microscopy, and ether group orientation by polarized FTIR. This approach clarifies the link between molecular alignment and ion conductivity, offering a strategy to improve separator performance for next-generation lithium batteries.