Elucidating the relationship between mechanical properties and ionic conductivity in a highly conductive gel polymer electrolyte

The storage modulus and ionic conductivity of prototypical gel electrolytes consisting of different amounts of poly (vinyl alcohol) and the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (EMI TFSI) were made and characterized. Peak ionic conductivity and room temperature storage modulus of 2.4 x 10(-2) S cm(-1) and 128 MPa respectively were achieved. The gel electrolytes were also characterized with a multifunctional index. It was found that the optimal ionic conductivity and mechanical properties were obtained with 40 wt% EMI TFSI loading, where an ionic conductivity of 1.2 x 10(-3) S cm(-1) and a room temperature storage modulus of 30.7 MPa were obtained. A specific capacitance of 29.24 F g(-1) was obtained in a test supercapacitor device. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study prepared and characterized gel electrolytes composed of poly (vinyl alcohol) and the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis (trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide. It was found that the optimal ionic conductivity and mechanical properties were achieved with 40% EMI TFSI loading.