Cycling profile of innovative nanochitin-incorporated poly (ethylene oxide) based electrolytes for lithium batteries

Nanochitin has been incorporated in a poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO)-LiPF6 matrix for the first time. The incorporation of chitin whiskers significantly improves the ionic conductivity, thermal stability, mechanical integrity along with the interfacial properties. The prepared membrane is also tested in a LiFePO4/C–Li cell and the galvanostatic cycling behaviour is analysed at 70 °C showing an improved specific capacity and outstanding cycling stability. The obtained results and the use of such environment friendly component would make these hybrid organic, nanochitin-based composite polymer electrolyte systems a strong contender in the field of flexible and green lithium-based power sources.

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► Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes have been identified as separators for safe batteries.
► Nanochitin has been incorporated in poly (ethylene oxide) matrix for the first time.
► A high discharge capacity of 150 mA h g−1 at C/5-rate has been achieved even at 70 °C.
► The overall performance of Li/NCPE/LiFePO4 cell is better than the earlier reports.