Inorganic Fillers in Composite Gel Polymer Electrolytes for High-Performance Lithium and Non-Lithium Polymer Batteries

Preparation and Properties of Gel Polymer Electrolytes with Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 and Li6.46La3Zr1.46Ta0.54O12 by UV Curing Process

Poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP)-based gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are considered a promising electrolyte candidate for polymer lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of their free-standing shape, versatility, security, flexibility, lightweight, reliability, and so on. However, due to problems such as low ionic conductivity, PVDF-HFP can only be used on a small scale when used as a substrate alone. To overcome the above shortcomings, GPEs were designed and synthesized by a UV curing process by adding NASICON-type Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 (LAGP) and garnet-type Li6.46La3Zr1.46Ta0.54O12 (LLZTO) to PVDF-HFP. Experimentally, GPEs with 10% weight LLZTO in a PVDF-HFP matrix had an ionic conductivity of up to 3 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 25 °C. When assembled into LiFePO4/GPEs/Li batteries, a discharge-specific capacity of 81.5 mAh g-1 at a current density of 1 C and a capacity retention rate of 98.1% after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.2 C occurred. Therefore, GPEs added to LLZTO have a broad application prospect regarding rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Structure Optimization of Some Single-Ion Conducting Polymer Electrolytes with Increased Conductivity Used in "Beyond Lithium-Ion" Batteries

Simulation techniques implemented with the HFSS program were used for structure optimization from the point of view of increasing the conductivity of the batteries' electrolytes. Our analysis was focused on reliable "beyond lithium-ion" batteries, using single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes, in a gel variant. Their conductivity can be increased by tuning and correlating the internal parameters of the structure. Materials in the battery system were modeled at the nanoscale with HFSS: electrodes-electrolyte-moving ions. Some new materials reported in the literature were studied, like poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate-x-styrene sulfonate (PEGDMA-SS) or PU-TFMSI for the electrolyte; p-dopable polytriphenyl amine for cathodes in Na-ion batteries or sulfur cathodes in Mg-ion or Al-ion batteries. The coarse-grained molecular dynamics model combined with the atomistic model were both considered for structural simulation at the molecular level. Issues like interaction forces at the nanoscopic scale, charge carrier mobility, conductivity in the cell, and energy density of the electrodes were implied in the analysis. The results were compared to the reported experimental data, to confirm the method and for error analysis. For the real structures of gel polymer electrolytes, this method can indicate that their conductivity increases up to 15%, and even up to 26% in the resonant cases, via parameter correlation. The tuning and control of material properties becomes a problem of structure optimization, solved with non-invasive simulation methods, in agreement with the experiment.

Synthesis & fabrication of O-linked polymeric hybrids for recovery of textile dyes: Closed loop economy

Dyes are an important resource employed for the production systems in textile, paper, paint and leather industry. An estimate of 200,000 tons of dyes are discharged as textile effluent each year worldwide. It becomes imperative to recover these dyes by treating the effluents using economically viable routes. The present research was undertaken with the objective to attain zero emission and zero waste through development of novel polymeric hybrids as adsorbents. For this purpose, metal moieties (Al3+, Si4+, Ti4+ and Zr4+) were hybridized with polyacrylic acid, and cellulose acetate for the uptake of selected dyes under optimized parameters. The structural elucidation of four synthesized hybrids (MP-Al, MP-Si, MP-Ti and MP-Zr) by FTIR, EDX and TGA confirmed O-linked grafting of metal moieties with polymers and thermally stable porous materials. SEM micrographic images displayed void spaces providing channels for effective adsorption. The batch experiments demonstrated removal of malachite green (77-96%) and congo red (70-82%) upon contact of initial 45 min on polymeric hybrids On the other hand, pristine polyacrylic acid and cellulose acetate showed remarkably low removal of dyes. The adsorption mechanism is proposed as physical in nature following type II isotherm. Further, Langmuir and Ho's pseudo second order fitness was evaluated. In order to determine the economic viability of the present research, the real textile dyes were recovered in three consecutive cycles of adsorption and chemical treatment of hybrids. The results propose a system with positive impact on economy by maximum utilization of hybrids as adsorbents and recovery of textile dyes for reuse in textile processing.

Gel Polymer Electrolytes with Talc as a Natural Mineral Filler and a Biodegradable Polymer Matrix in Sodium-Ion Batteries

A gel polymer electrolyte based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is used in sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). The use of biodegradable and water-soluble polymer potentially reduces the negative environmental impact. The other components include sodium salt (NaPF6 ), sulfolane (TMS) as a plasticizer and talc. For the first time, natural and abundant talc has been used as an inert filler in a gel polymer electrolyte. The best results were obtained for moderate amounts of filler (1 and 3 wt%). Then, an increase in the conductivity, transference numbers, and thermal stability of the membranes was observed. Moreover, the presence of talc had a positive effect on the cyclability of the hard carbon electrode. The discharge capacity after 50 cycles of HC|1 % T_TMS|Na and HC|3 % T_TMS|Na was 243 and 225 mAh g-1 , respectively. The use of talc in gel polymer electrolytes containing sodium ions improves the safety and efficiency of SIBs.

Zn salts incorporated polyurethane/polyacrylonitrile electrospinning fiber membrane for high porosity polymer electrolyte in Zn ion battery

So far, a large variety of polymer molecule architectures have been explored in the electrolyte field. Polymer electrolytes have gathered research efforts as an interesting alternative to conventional liquid electrolytes due to their advantages of low probability of leakage and low volatility of liquid solvent, lightweight, flexibility, inertness, high durability, and thermal stability. In this work, a polymer electrolyte developed from a polyurethane/polyacrylonitrile (PU/PAN) electrospinning fiber membrane was added with different zinc (Zn) salts, namely, Zn(CH3CO2)2, ZnSO4, and Zn(OTf)2. The samples with the Zn salt presented many different properties; especially, the high Zn(OTf)2 sample showed gradually bundle morphology in its structure. Characterization revealed improved properties in contact angle, water uptake, and thermal resistance. Namely, the 15 wt% Zn(OTf)2) sample exhibited an outstandingly high ionic conductivity of 3.671 mS cm-1, which is 10 times higher than that of the neat PU/PAN membrane.

Highly Conductive Polyoxanorbornene-Based Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium-Metal Batteries

This present study illustrates the synthesis and preparation of polyoxanorbornene-based bottlebrush polymers with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) side chains by ring-opening metathesis polymerization for solid polymer electrolytes (SPE). In addition to the conductive PEO side chains, the polyoxanorbornene backbones may act as another ion conductor to further promote Li-ion movement within the SPE matrix. These results suggest that these bottlebrush polymer electrolytes provide impressively high ionic conductivity of 7.12 × 10-4 S cm-1 at room temperature and excellent electrochemical performance, including high-rate capabilities and cycling stability when paired with a Li metal anode and a LiFePO4 cathode. The new design paradigm, which has dual ionic conductive pathways, provides an unexplored avenue for inventing new SPEs and emphasizes the importance of molecular engineering to develop highly stable and conductive polymer electrolytes for lithium-metal batteries (LMB).

Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy-Amine Thermosets and Solvate IL: Towards New Composite Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium Battery Applications

To effectively use (Li) lithium metal anodes, it is becoming increasingly necessary to create membranes with high lithium conductivity, electrochemical and thermal stabilities, as well as adequate mechanical properties. Composite gel polymer electrolytes (CGPE) have emerged as a promising strategy, offering improved ionic conductivity and structural performance compared to polymer electrolytes. In this study, a simple and scalable approach was developed to fabricate a crosslinked polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based membrane, comprising two different glass fiber reinforcements, in terms of morphology and thickness. The incorporation of a solvated ionic liquid into the developed membrane enhances the ionic conductivity and reduces flammability in the resulting CGPE. Galvanostatic cycling experiments demonstrate favorable performance of the composite membrane in symmetric Li cells. Furthermore, the CGPE demonstrated electrochemical stability, enabling the cell to cycle continuously for more than 700 h at a temperature of 40 °C without short circuits. When applied in a half-cell configuration with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathodes, the composite membrane enabled cycling at different current densities, achieving a discharge capacity of 144 mAh·g^-1. Overall, the findings obtained in this work highlight the potential of crosslinked PEO-based composite membranes for high-performance Li metal anodes, with enhanced near room temperature conductivity, electrochemical stability, and cycling capability.

A Flexible Lithium-Ion-Conducting Membrane with Highly Loaded Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles to Promote Charge Transfer for Lithium-Air Battery

In this research, we aim to investigate a flexible composite lithium-ion-conducting membrane (FC-LICM) consisting of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles with a TiO2-rich configuration. PVDF-HFP was selected as the host polymer owing to its chemically compatible nature with lithium metal. TiO2 (40-60 wt%) was incorporated into the polymer matrix, and the FC-LICM charge transfer resistance values (Rct) were reduced by two-thirds (from 1609 Ω to 420 Ω) at the 50 wt% TiO2 loading compared with the pristine PVDF-HFP. This improvement may be attributed to the electron transport properties enabled by the incorporation of semiconductive TiO2. After being immersed in an electrolyte, the FC-LICM also exhibited a Rct that was lower by 45% (from 141 to 76 Ω), suggesting enhanced ionic transfer upon the addition of TiO2. The TiO2 nanoparticles in the FC-LICM facilitated charge transfers for both electron transfer and ionic transport. The FC-LICM incorporated at an optimal load of 50 wt% TiO2 was assembled into a hybrid electrolyte Li-air battery (HELAB). This battery was operated for 70 h with a cut-off capacity of 500 mAh g-1 in a passive air-breathing mode under an atmosphere with high humidity. A 33% reduction in the overpotential of the HELAB was observed in comparison with using the bare polymer. The present work provides a simple FC-LICM approach for use in HELABs.

Ion Conduction in Composite Polymer Electrolytes: Potential Electrolytes for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are expected to become alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as next-generation rechargeable batteries, owing to abundant sodium sources and low cost. However, SIBs still use liquid organic electrolytes (LOEs), which are highly flammable and have the tendency to leak. Although inorganic solid electrolytes (ISEs) and solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have been investigated for many years, given their higher safety level, neither of them is likely to be commercialized because of the rigidity of ISEs and the low room-temperature ionic conductivity of SPEs. During the last decade, composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs), composed of ISEs and SPEs, exhibiting both relatively high ionic conductivity and flexibility, have gained much attention and are considered as promising electrolytes. However, the ionic conductivities of CPEs are still unsatisfactory for practical application. Hence, this Review focuses on the principle of sodium ion conductors and particularly on recent investigations and development of CPEs.

MOFs Containing Solid-State Electrolytes for Batteries

The use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) has been a very attractive research area that has received widespread attention in the modern world. SSEs can be divided into different types, some of which can be combined with MOFs to improve the electrochemical performance of the batteries by taking advantage of the high surface area and high porosity of MOFs. However, it also faces many serious problems and challenges. In this review, different types of SSEs are classified and the changes in these electrolytes after the addition of MOFs are described. Afterward, these SSEs with MOFs attached are introduced for different types of battery applications and the effects of these SSEs combined with MOFs on the electrochemical performance of the cells are described. Finally, some challenges faced by MOFs materials in batteries applications are presented, then some solutions to the problems and development expectations of MOFs are given.

Understanding Lithium Dendrite Suppression by Hybrid Composite Separators: Indentation Measurements Informed by Operando X-ray Computed Tomography

This study investigates the significance of the mechanics of hybrid particle-polymer separators in the stabilization of lithium metal interfaces by probing these properties in realistic conditions informed by X-ray microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Elastic properties and viscoelastic behavior of inorganic microparticle-filled poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) films are characterized using a nanoindentation experiment whose displacement simulates the interfacial response seen in operando micro-CT. It is determined that the dominating mechanical behavior in this hybrid separator relevant to lithium metal cell conditions is comprised of viscoelasticity. Consistent with this finding, along with correlations across other physicochemical properties, a mechanism describing the improvement of lithium metal cycling performance according to inorganic filler type and content is proposed.

A Stable Solid Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium Metal Battery with Electronically Conductive Fillers

Electronic conduction in solid-polymer electrolytes is generally not desired, which causes leakage of electrons or energy loss, and the electronically conductive domains at electrode-electrolyte interfaces can lead to continuous decomposition of electrolytes and shorting issues. However, it is noticed in this work that in an insulating matrix, the conductive domains at certain aspects could also have positive effects on the electrolyte performance with proper control. This work evaluates the limitation and benefits of electronically conductive domains in a solid-polymer electrolyte system and discusses the approach to improve the electrolyte physicochemical properties with densified local electric field distribution, enhanced bulk dielectric property, and charge transfer. By deliberately introducing the conductive domains in a regular solid-polymer electrolyte, stable cycle life, low overpotential, and promising full cell performance could be achieved.

Gel Electrolyte for Li Metal Battery

The pursuit of high energy density enables lithium metal batteries (LMBs) to become the research hotpot again. However, the safety concerns including easy leakage and inflammability of the liquid electrolyte and the performance deterioration due to the uncontrollable Li dendrites growth in liquid electrolyte limit the further development of LMBs. Gel electrolyte, the most promising alternative for the commercial liquid electrolyte, is expected to solve the dilemma faced by the liquid electrolyte because of its higher safety, good flexibility and adaptability to the electrode and high ionic conductivity comparable to that of liquid electrolyte. Deeply understanding the characteristics and the role of the gel electrolyte in LMBs is of great importance to achieve superior electrochemical performance of LMBs. In this review, we comprehensively introduce the chemical fundamental of the gel electrolyte. On this basis, the modification strategies and the recent progress of the gel electrolyte for LMBs are systematically reviewed and particularly highlighted, which are categorized based on composition regulation, structural design and functional design. We endeavor to provide guidance for the rational design of the gel electrolyte with superior properties for LMBs.

High-Performance and Highly Safe Solvate Ionic Liquid-Based Gel Polymer Electrolyte by Rapid UV-Curing for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Utilizing ionic liquids (ILs) with low flammability as the precursor component for a gel polymer electrolyte is a smart strategy out of safety concerns. Solvate ionic liquids (SILs) consist of equimolar lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and tetraglyme, alleviating the main problems of high viscosity and low Li⁺ conductivity of conventional ILs. In this study, within a very short time of 30 s, a SIL turns immobile using efficient and controllable UV-curing with an ethoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate (ETPTA) network, forming a homogeneous SIL-based gel polymer electrolyte (SGPE) with enhanced thermal stability (216 °C), robust mechanical strength (compression modulus: 1.701 MPa), and high ionic conductivity (0.63 mS cm^-1 at room temperature). A Li|SGPE|LiFePO₄ cell demonstrates high charge/discharge reversibility and cycling stability with a capacity retention rate of 99.7% after 750 cycles and an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.7%, owing to its excellent electrochemical compatibility with Li-metal. A close-contact electrode/electrolyte interface is formed by in situ curing of the electrolyte on the electrode surface, which enables the pouch full cell to work stably under the conditions of cutting/bending. In view of the excellent mechanical, thermal, and electrochemical performances of SGPE, it is believed to be a promising gel polymer electrolyte for constructing high-safety lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).

A bioresource catalyst system of alginate-starch-activated carbon microsphere templated Cu nanoparticles: Potentials in nitroarenes hydrogenation and dyes discoloration

The evolution and development of solid-matrix are considered a backbone for supporting and stabilizing of metal nanoparticles (NPs) and are the soul of the catalytic system. In the current study, the alginate-starch microsphere (Alg-St) was cross-linked using CaCl₂ as a cross-linker. In addition, the Alg-St microsphere was blended with different percentages of activated carbon (AC). The microspheres adsorbed Cu⁺² was reduced to zero-valent copper NPs through NaBH₄ and used as a dip-catalyst. The supported Cu NPs cum NaBH₄ system was used as dip-catalyst for the hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol (4NP), 2-nitroanilline (2NA), and degradation of methylene blue (MB) and Congo red (CR) dyes. Among the different kinetics models, the experimental data were well-fitted in the zero-order kinetic model. Moreover pH, and recyclability were studied for 4NP, where the best activity was achieved at pH 7.0 for 4NP. No leaching was observed after 3rd cycle in the catalyst.

Gel Polymer Electrolytes with Mixture of Triazolium Ionic Liquids and Propylene Carbonate

This study is focused on the structural influence of 1,2,4-triazolium ionic liquid (IL), that is, the effect of the length of the substituent and the type of substitution (1-methyl-4-alkyl or 1-alkyl-4-methyl) used in the mixture with propylene carbonate (PC) on the properties of thiol–ene polymer ionogels and on the preparation of an ionogel with satisfactory mechanical and conductive properties. PC allows for higher conductivity but also causes electrolyte leakage from the gel. When using triazolium IL (instead of the imidazolium one), because of the stronger interactions between components of the system, the ionogels do not leak. In this study, 1,4-dialkyl-1,2,4-triazolium ILs were successfully synthesized by the alkylation of 1,2,4-triazole. Subsequently, gel polymer electrolytes were obtained by one-pot thiol–ene photopolymerization reactions of tetrafunctional thiols with different chemical structures: pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate) (PETMP) or pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptobutyrate) (PETMB) and trifunctional ene (TATT) in the presence of a mixture of 1,4-dialkyl-1,2,4-triazolium IL with PC. Measurements made by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that all ionogels with TATT+PETMB as a polymer matrix presented smaller relative ionic conductivity compared to ionogels containing TATT+PETMP. The puncture resistance and elongation at puncture, measured by the puncture resistance method, were higher for ionogels with poly(TATT+PETMB) than for those with poly(TATT+PETMP). Moreover, ILs containing a methyl group in position N1 of the 1,2,4-triazole ring presented lower puncture resistance than ionogels with ILs containing a methyl group in position N4, especially for shorter alkyl chains. Additionally, the photo-differential scanning calorimetry method was employed to characterize the course of photopolymerization. The compositions and their constituents were characterized by UV and IR spectroscopy.

3D Printable Composite Polymer Electrolytes: Influence of SiO2 Nanoparticles on 3D-Printability

We here demonstrate the preparation of composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) for Li-ion batteries, applicable for 3D printing process via fused deposition modeling. The prepared composites consist of modified poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and SiO₂-based nanofillers. PEG was successfully end group modified yielding telechelic PEG containing either ureidopyrimidone (UPy) or barbiturate moieties, capable to form supramolecular networks via hydrogen bonds, thus introducing self-healing to the electrolyte system. Silica nanoparticles (NPs) were used as a filler for further adjustment of mechanical properties of the electrolyte to enable 3D-printability. The surface functionalization of the NPs with either ionic liquid (IL) or hydrophobic alkyl chains is expected to lead to an improved dispersion of the NPs within the polymer matrix. Composites with different content of NPs (5%, 10%, 15%) and LiTFSI salt (EO/Li⁺ = 5, 10, 20) were analyzed via rheology for a better understanding of 3D printability, and via Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) for checking their ionic conductivity. The composite electrolyte PEG 1500 UPy₂/LiTFSI (EO:Li 5:1) mixed with 15% NP-IL was successfully 3D printed, revealing its suitability for application as printable composite electrolytes.

Electrochemical Cells and Storage Technologies to Increase Renewable Energy Share in Cold Climate Conditions—A Critical Assessment

The energy efficiency of a renewable energy system is inextricably linked to the energy storage technologies used in conjunction with it. The most extensively utilized energy storage technology for all purposes is electrochemical storage batteries, which have grown more popular over time because of their extended life, high working voltage, and low self-discharge rate. However, these batteries cannot withstand the very low temperatures encountered in cold regions, even with these very promising technical characteristics. The cold northern temperatures affect the batteries’ electromotive force and thus decrease their storage capacity. In addition, they affect the conductivity of the electrolyte and the kinetics of electrochemical reactions, thus influencing the capacity and speed of electrons in the electrolyte. In this article, which is intended as a literature review, we first describe the technical characteristics of charge–discharge rate of different electrochemical storage techniques and their variations with temperature. Then, new approaches used to adapt these electrochemical storage techniques to cold climates are presented. We also conduct a comparative study between the different electrochemical storage techniques regarding their performance in the harsh climatic conditions of the Canadian North.

Designing Versatile Polymers for Lithium-Ion Battery Applications: A Review

Solid-state electrolytes are a promising family of materials for the next generation of high-energy rechargeable lithium batteries. Polymer electrolytes (PEs) have been widely investigated due to their main advantages, which include easy processability, high safety, good mechanical flexibility, and low weight. This review presents recent scientific advances in the design of versatile polymer-based electrolytes and composite electrolytes, underlining the current limitations and remaining challenges while highlighting their technical accomplishments. The recent advances in PEs as a promising application in structural batteries are also emphasized.

Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes for Zinc and Magnesium Batteries: From Synthetic to Biopolymers

The diversification of current forms of energy storage and the reduction of fossil fuel consumption are issues of high importance for reducing environmental pollution. Zinc and magnesium are multivalent ions suitable for the development of environmentally friendly rechargeable batteries. Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPEs) are currently being researched as part of electrochemical devices because of the advantages of dispersed fillers. This article aims to review and compile the trends of different types of the latest NCPEs. It briefly summarizes the desirable properties the electrolytes should possess to be considered for later uses. The first section is devoted to NCPEs composed of poly(vinylidene Fluoride-co-Hexafluoropropylene). The second section centers its attention on discussing the electrolytes composed of poly(ethylene oxide). The third section reviews the studies of NCPEs based on different synthetic polymers. The fourth section discusses the results of electrolytes based on biopolymers. The addition of nanofillers improves both the mechanical performance and the ionic conductivity; key points to be explored in the production of batteries. These results set an essential path for upcoming studies in the field. These attempts need to be further developed to get practical applications for industry in large-scale polymer-based electrolyte batteries.

Electrocatalytic and structural properties and computational calculation of PAN-EC-PC-TPAI-I2 gel polymer electrolytes for dye sensitized solar cell application

In this study, gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) were prepared using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer, ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC) plasticizers and different compositions of tetrapropylammonium iodide (TPAI) salt. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were done using non-blocking Pt-electrode symmetric cells. The limiting current (J_lim), apparent diffusion coefficient of triiodide ions and exchange current were found to be 12.76 mA cm⁻², 23.41 × 10⁻⁷ cm² s⁻¹ and 11.22–14.24 mA cm⁻², respectively, for the GPE containing 30% TPAI. These values are the highest among the GPEs with different TPAI contents. To determine the ionic conductivity, the EIS technique was employed with blocking electrodes. The GPE containing 30% TPAI exhibited the lowest bulk impedance, R_b (22 Ω), highest ionic conductivity (3.62 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹) and lowest activation energy. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were utilized for structural characterization. Functional group interactions among PAN, EC, PC and TPAI were studied in the FTIR spectra of the GPEs. An up-shift of the XRD peak indicates the polymer–salt interaction and possible complexation of the cation (TPA⁺ ion) with the lone pair of electrons containing site –C Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019 ]]> N at the N atom in the host polymer matrix. On the other hand, computational study shows that TPAI-PAN based GPE possesses the lowest frontier orbital bandgap, which coincided with the enhanced electrochemical and electrocatalytic performance of GPE. The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) fabricated with these GPEs showed that the J_SC (19.75 mA cm⁻²) and V_OC (553.8 mV) were the highest among the GPEs and hence the highest efficiency, η (4.76%), was obtained for the same electrolytes.

In this study, gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) were prepared using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer, ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC) plasticizers and different compositions of tetrapropylammonium iodide (TPAI) salt.