Studies on cellulose acetate-based gel polymer electrolytes for proton batteries

Biomaterial-based cellulose is biodegradable, biocompatible and possesses good mechanical properties. Previous studies have proven that it can be used as the separator for various kinds of batteries, such as lead-acid batteries, silver-zinc rechargeable batteries, as an additive for preparation of pasted zinc electrodes for zinc-air batteries and as binders/surface modifiers for graphite anodes for lithium batteries. However, it never intensively been used as a polymer electrolyte in advanced batteries. Substantial progress has been made in the development of proton conductors with high ionic conductivity. Hence, proton batteries can be considered as cost effective alternatives for battery applications. The present study involves the fabrication and characterisation of gelled cellulose polymer proton battery with the configuration Zn/composite cellulose electrolytes/MnO2. The open circuit voltage (OCV) of the cell is similar to 1.6 V. The constancy of OCV was tested for over 24 h. The discharge capacity was 24.65 mA h for 0.5 mA and 22.41 mA h for 1 mA.