Development and characterization of a biomaterial (Centella Asiatica Leaf)-based electrolyte for electrochemical devices

Biomaterial, Centella Asiatica Leaf (CAL), has been developed as a bio-membrane electrolyte with ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) by the solution casting method for proton conducting electrochemical devices. The amorphous/crystalline nature of the prepared bio-membranes has been analyzed using XRD. DSC measurement has been used to find the T-g of the membranes. AC impedance measurement shows 1 g CAL + 0.7 M. wt% NH4SCN bio-membrane possesses a high proton conductivity value of 9.31 & PLUSMN; 0.25 x 10(-3) S/cm at ambient temperature. Transport parameters have been calculated for the prepared bio-membranes. SEM and thermal stability (TGA) measurements have been made for pure CAL and the highest conducting bio-membranes. The tensile strength of the highest conducting bio-membrane has been estimated by mechanical strength analysis. The electrochemical stability of 2.05 V has been found for the highest proton-conducting bio-membrane using LSV. The primary proton battery and PEM fuel cell with the highest proton conducting bio-membrane show an OCV of 1.55 V and 448 mV, respectively.

Automated summary

Biomaterial, Centella Asiatica Leaf (CAL), has been developed as a bio-membrane electrolyte for proton conducting electrochemical devices. The prepared bio-membranes possess high proton conductivity and good thermal stability. The highest conducting bio-membrane exhibits a tensile strength, electrochemical stability, and performance in proton battery and fuel cell applications.