NYCSEA

Abstract: Gel polymer electrolytes (GPE) have attracted the attention of researchers over the last decade. Combining the merits of solid- and liquid-state electrolytes, GPEs reduce the risk of leakage and flammability, while offering higher ion mobility and conductivity than solid electrolytes. In particular, organogels, while not as well-researched as hydrogels, have superior electrochemical stability, operating voltage windows, and versatility, though to the detriment of cost, electrical conductivity, and environmental impact. This paper proposes a novel non-aqueous gel polymer electrolyte made from PVP, glycols, and non-lithium chloride salts that hopes to resolve the drawbacks of organogels and lithium-ion electrolytes without compromising performance. PVP was added to salt-glycol solutions, mixed, left to form a gel, and tested with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to determine the conductivity, capacitance, and activation energy. A drip test was also used to qualitatively assess the viscosity of the gels. The GPEs demonstrated comparable conductive and capacitive features to hydrogels (up to 0.53 mS/cm and 2.9 nF at 25°C) and activation energies as low as 0.30 eV, while enjoying the benefits of having an organic solvent: being nontoxic, sustainable, relatively low-cost, and thermally and electrochemically stable. With these properties, the gels are open to a wide range of applications, most suitably in capacitors for high-density energy storage in flexible, wearable electronics and as safer alternatives to lithium-ion devices.

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