Collagen Membrane as Water-Based Gel Electrolyte for Electrochromic Devices.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Bio-based polymers are increasingly explored as sustainable alternatives to conventional polymers.
• Electrolytes are critical components in electrochemical devices, influencing overall performance.
• Polymers are promising for developing solid-state and gel electrolytes for advanced devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize uncrosslinked and physically cross-linked collagen membranes.
• To evaluate collagen membranes as polymeric matrices for gel electrolytes.
• To assess their potential for use in electrochromic devices.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication and characterization of collagen membranes (uncrosslinked and crosslinked).
• Evaluation of membrane stability in aqueous solutions and mechanical properties.
• Measurement of optical characteristics and ionic conductivity after sulfuric acid treatment.
• Fabrication and testing of a proof-of-concept electrochromic device.

Main Results:

• Cross-linked collagen membranes exhibited a favorable balance of water absorption and resistance.
• The membranes demonstrated suitable optical characteristics and ionic conductivity for electrolyte applications.
• A proof-of-concept electrochromic device using the collagen membrane showed effective optical modulation and kinetics.

Conclusions:

• Physically cross-linked collagen membranes are viable bio-based polymeric matrices for gel electrolytes.
• These membranes show significant potential as electrolytes for full-solid-state electrochromic devices.
• The study highlights collagen as a sustainable material for advanced electrochemical applications.