Bio-Based Polymer Electrolytes for Electrochemical Devices: Insight into the Ionic Conductivity Performance

Abstract

With the continuing efforts to explore alternatives to petrochemical-based polymers and the escalating demand to minimize environmental impact, bio-based polymers have gained a massive amount of attention over the last few decades. The potential uses of these bio-based polymers are varied, from household goods to high end and advanced applications. To some extent, they can solve the depletion and sustainability issues of conventional polymers. As such, this article reviews the trends and developments of bio-based polymers for the preparation of polymer electrolytes that are intended for use in electrochemical device applications. A range of bio-based polymers are presented by focusing on the source, the general method of preparation, and the properties of the polymer electrolyte system, specifically with reference to the ionic conductivity. Some major applications of bio-based polymer electrolytes are discussed. This review examines the past studies and future prospects of these materials in the polymer electrolyte field.

A Review of the Use of GPEs in Zinc-Based Batteries. A Step Closer to Wearable Electronic Gadgets and Smart Textiles

“…Polymers directly extracted from biomass, such as starch, cellulose, chitosan, and alginates, the second category are polymers synthesized from bio-derived monomers, and the third includes polymers synthesized by microorganisms/bacteria [55] such xanthan and gellan gums. Rayung et al has recently written a very comprehensive review of biobased polymer electrolytes used in electrochemical storage devices [55], but there is lack of electrochemical devices based on Zinc chemistries. The excellent work done by Rayung et al gathers in an extensive table a vast number of electrolyte systems classified by the biopolymer which form part of.…”

“…In fact, many types of cellulose derivatives have been studied, such as methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc. [55].…”

Advances in Natural Biopolymer‐Based Electrolytes and Separators for Battery Applications

“…[ 27,28 ] Therefore, in the recent decade researchers have focused on the design of SPEs and GPEs based on renewable macromolecules [ 27 ] –namely biopolymers–that are functionally equivalent of synthetic polymers, yet are biocompatible and capable of biodegradation. [ 29,30 ] Numerous functional polymeric electrolytes based on chitin, lignin, cellulose, starch, carrageenans, xanthan gum, agar, silk, etc., have been investigated aiming to replicate the electrochemical performance of state of the art SPEs, GPEs and liquid electrolytes. Chemically, majority of these are polysaccharides i.e., polymeric carbohydrates – and capable of inducing an increase in the viscosity of electrolyte solutions, even at small concentrations.…”

Glycerolized Li+ Ion Conducting Chitosan-Based Polymer Electrolyte for Energy Storage EDLC Device Applications with Relatively High Energy Density

“…The natural polymers and biopolymers are used interchangeably, are typically characterized by cost-effectiveness, high compatibility with solvents, high capability in film-forming, and natural abundance [20,21]. For example, starch, cellulose, and carrageenan are most commonly used as polymer hosts [22][23][24]. Another common biopolymer that is extensively under intensive investigation in energy storage devices is chitosan [25].…”