Performance-tuning of PVA-based gel electrolytes by acid/PVA ratio and PVA molecular weight

The significant breakthroughs of flexible gel electrolytes have attracted extensive attention in modern wearable electronic gadgets. The lack of all-around high-performing gels limits the advantages of such devices for practical applications. To this end, developing a multi-functional gel architecture with superior ionic conductivity while enjoying good mechanical flexibility is a bottleneck to overcome. Herein, an architecturally engineered gel, based on PVA and H3PO4 with different molecular weights of PVA for various PVA/H3PO4 ratios, was developed. The results show the dependence of ionic conductivity on molecular weight and also charge carrier concentration. Consequently, fine-tuning of PVA-based gels through a simple yet systematic and well-regulated strategy to achieve highly ion-conducting gels, with the highest ionic conductivity of 14.75 +/- 1.39 mS cm(-1) have been made to fulfill the requirement of flexible devices. More importantly, gel electrolytes possess good mechanical robustness while exhibiting high-elasticity (%766.66 +/- 59.73), making it an appropriate candidate for flexible devices.

Automated summary

The development of a multi-functional gel structure based on PVA and H3PO4 has been shown to achieve high ionic conductivity and good mechanical flexibility, making it a promising solution for the advancement of flexible devices.