Development of an All Solid State Battery Incorporating Graphene Oxide as Proton Conductor

Graphene oxide (GO) shows high proton conductivity (≈10^-4 Scm^-1), excellent mechanical stability, and electrical insulation property, which makes it an ideal candidate for use as a proton conducting solid state electrolyte. The prospects of using GO as single phase solid electrolyte in an all solid battery is presented herein. A battery with the cell configuration: Zn + ZnSO₄•7H₂O + graphite (anode) || GO (electrolyte) || MnO₂ + graphite (cathode) is fabricated. Cyclic voltammetry confirms its rechargeable nature. The respective discharge capacity and power density of the cell are 360 μAh and 19.5 mW kg^-1 at a constant current drain of 3 μA under the experimental conditions employed. GO based proton conductors are cleaner and cheaper than other solid electrolytes. The current study strongly suggests that GO can be used as a practical and beneficial component in solid state battery applications with low energy feedback.