A novel gel polymer electrolyte based on lithium salt with an ethyl cellulose

A novel gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) that contains Li+ ions was fabricated. An appropriate amount of ethyl cellulose (EC) was added to 1 M lithium perchlorate in propylene carbonate to prepare the GPE. The ionic conductivity (sigma) of the GPE depends on the EC content, and the GPE with an EC content of 4.5 wt.% exhibits a maximum sigma of 6.47 mS/cm, a viscosity of 141 mPaa (TM) s, and a transmittance of over 80% (visible region) at room temperature. High sigma and transparent GPE can be obtained. In this work, the EC was used as natural thickener to enhance the viscosity of the liquid-state electrolyte and could improve the leakage of electrolyte solution.