Synthesis of boric ester type ion-gels by dehydrocoupling of cellulose with hydroboranes in ionic liquid

► Ion-gels including boric ester were conveniently prepared using cellulose. ► The ion-gels obtained showed ionic conductivity exceeding 10- 4 Scm- 1 at 324K. ► Addition of Li salt led to higher ionic conductivity. ► Ion-gels derived from mesitylborane showed higher ionic conductivity.