PEG based quasi-solid polymer electrolyte: Mechanically supported by networked cellulose

A networked cellulose (NC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) biodegradable, quasi-solid polymer electrolyte is formed by entrapping PEG inside the NC structure. The NC provides the physical structure while the PEG/LiClO4 complex provides the electrochemical performance of the electrolyte. SEM and TEM analysis reveal a randomly arranged, highly porous structure of NC while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveals that the PEG in the electrolyte remains as a liquid when blended and dried with different amounts of NC. The conductivity in the order of 10−4 S cm−1 is achieved at room temperature with NC content of 12.8 wt%, which decreases with the increase in the amount of NC in the PEG/LiClO4 complex.

► A high content of polyethylene glycol has been entrapped inside the natural polymer (networked cellulose). ► Solid polymer electrolyte shows high value of 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature. ► The electrolyte has thermal and cathodic electrochemical stability up to 150 °C and 4.7 V, respectively.