A High-Performance Ionic Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Energy

Abstract

In this work, a high-performance ionic gel polymer electrolyte (IGPE) is successfully prepared by radical polymerization of N-Vinyl-3-butyl imidazole bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (VBImTFSI) and hydroxyethyl methylacrylate (HEMA) in the presence of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMImBF4). The electrochemical performance of the electrochemical capacitors is studied by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. It is observed that the as-prepared translucent and flexible IGPE exhibits high ionic conductivity. In addition, high gravimetric specific capacitance (154 F g-1 at 0.1 mA g-1) and well rate capability (the gravimetric specific capacitance retained 81% at 5 mA g-1) have also been achieved in the IGPE-based cells. Due to the high decomposition temperature of ionic liquids, the IGPE also exhibits superior thermal stability. In short, we believe that the IGPE with high ionic conductivity and energy density, excellent electrochemical stability, and thermal stability is of great potential in energy storage.

Keywords: Poly(ionic liquid), Gel Electrolyte, Lithium-Ion Battery, Energy Storage