Composite polymer electrolytes prepared by adding SiO2 nanowires into P(VDF-HFP) are described. Their electrochemical and mechanical properties were improved by 3-dimensional network interaction between the nanowires and the polymer chains. The composite polymer membrane can tolerate a maximal stress of 27.8 MPa. The ionic conductivity of the prepared gelled polymer electrolyte is up to 1.08 x 10(-3) S cm(-1), the electrochemical window is 4.8V. The composite polymer electrolyte with a 1-dimensional nanofiller such as SiO2 nanowires provides a new way to polymer electrolytes with better electrochemical and mechanical performance for practical applications in lithium ion batteries. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.