Stable Efficient Solid-State Supercapacitors and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Ionic Liquid-Doped Solid Biopolymer...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Growing environmental concerns necessitate alternatives to synthetic, non-biodegradable materials.
• Biodegradable polymers offer a sustainable platform for developing novel electrolytes.
• Replacing traditional electrolytes with eco-friendly options is a key research focus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a highly conducting, biodegradable polymer electrolyte using corn starch and ionic liquid.
• To optimize the electrolyte for enhanced ionic conductivity and stability.
• To evaluate the performance of the developed electrolyte in energy storage devices.

Main Methods:

• Solution casting method for preparing corn starch-based polymer electrolytes.
• Doping with 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide ionic liquid.
• Characterization using FTIR, XRD, POM, thermal analysis, and electrochemical studies.
• Fabrication and testing of electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Main Results:

• Achieved a maximum ionic conductivity of 1.90 × 10^-3 S/cm.
• FTIR confirmed complexation; XRD and POM indicated reduced crystallinity.
• Demonstrated thermal stability above 200 °C and an electrochemical window of 3.91 V.
• Ionic transference number confirmed predominant ionic charge carriers.
• Fabricated EDLC and DSSC showed specific capacitance of 130 F/g and 1.73% efficiency, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The ionic liquid-doped corn starch polymer electrolyte is a promising biodegradable material for energy storage.
• The developed electrolyte exhibits excellent ionic conductivity, stability, and electrochemical performance.
• This research contributes to the development of sustainable materials for next-generation electronic devices.