Ionic Conductivity of β-Cyclodextrin-Polyethylene-Oxide/Alkali-Metal-Salt Complex.

Highly conductive, crystalline, polymer electrolytes, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)-polyethylene oxide (PEO)/LiAsF₆ and β-CD-PEO/NaAsF₆, were prepared through supramolecular self-assembly of PEO, β-CD, and LiAsF₆/NaAsF₆. The assembled β-CDs form nanochannels in which the PEO/X⁺ (X=Li, Na) complexes are confined. The nanochannels provide a pathway for directional motion of the alkali metal ions and, at the same time, separate the cations and the anions by size exclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]