Polyolefin Ion Membranes in Electrochemical Cells

[mishima]

Hi, I was wondering if any old polyolefin membrane would work as a separator in an electrochemical cell, or if there is only a special "porous" version. For example, would a grocery store sack (polyethylene) work. It is my understanding that polymers of this sort are naturally porous, resembling hairballs on a micro scale. Thanks.

 

[TeethWhitener]

I don't know specifically if a grocery bag would work, but polyethylene membranes are often used as separators in Li-ion batteries:

https://www.electrochem.org/dl/interface/sum/sum12/sum12_p061_065.pdf

This link details some of the characteristics you'd want such a separator to have.

 

[mishima]

I wasn't sure if those characteristics had to be intentionally synthesized into a production of polyethylene, or if they were just naturally there as part of the process. The article mentions simple mechanical stress to induce porosity. I'll try and find a way to test it. Thanks.