Nitash P. Balsara, Balsara, 201 C Gilman Hall, Berkeley, CA 94720 and Mohit Singh, University of California, Berkeley, D 72 Tan Hall, Chemical Engg. Department, Berkeley, CA 94720-1462.
We describe the properties of nanostructured block copolymers wherein one of the blocks is compatible with ionic moieties. Percolating ion-conducting channels of poly(ethylene oxide) dispersed in an insulating polystyrene matrix were obtained by self-assembly. This structure enables independent control over mechanical and electrical properties of the block copolymer. The possibility of using these composite systems in high power batteries is currently being examined.