New Diglyme-based Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Na-based Energy Storage Devices

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Sodium-based energy storage devices are crucial for grid-scale applications.
• Development of stable and conductive electrolytes is essential for enhancing device performance.
• Gel polymer electrolytes offer potential advantages over liquid electrolytes in terms of safety and mechanical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel diglyme-based gel polymer electrolyte (DOBn-GPE) for sodium-based energy storage.
• To evaluate the electrochemical and mechanical properties of the DOBn-GPE.
• To demonstrate the applicability of DOBn-GPE in various sodium-based devices.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a methacrylate-based polymer gel electrolyte using diglyme.
• Ionic conductivity measurements at different temperatures.
• Electrochemical stability window determination using cyclic voltammetry.
• Fabrication and testing of sodium-ion capacitors, sodium-metal batteries, and sodium-ion batteries.

Main Results:

• The DOBn-GPE exhibited high ionic conductivity (2.3 mS/cm at 20°C).
• The electrolyte demonstrated broad electrochemical stability (>5.0 V) and high mechanical stability.
• Devices utilizing DOBn-GPE showed performance comparable to liquid electrolyte systems at room temperature and 60°C.

Conclusions:

• Diglyme-based gel polymer electrolytes are a promising alternative for advanced sodium-based energy storage.
• DOBn-GPE offers a viable pathway for developing high-performance and safe sodium-ion capacitors and batteries.
• The developed electrolyte facilitates efficient sodium-ion transport and stable operation in energy storage devices.