Abstract
The first successful attempt to synthesize a new proton conducting polymeric nanocomposite film based on pure cellulose nanofibers (CNF) as a polymer matrix functionalized on their surface with imidazole molecules (Im) as a dopant, was made. The 2CNF-Im nanomaterial contains on average one molecule of imidazole per 2 glucose units from cellulose chains. Water evaporation and thermal stability of 2CNF-Im were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The temperature dependence of electrical conductivity was studied by the impedance spectroscopy. At 140 °C, the 2CNF-Im nanocomposite has a maximum conductivity of 7.0 × 10−3 S/m, i.e. four orders of magnitude higher than that of non-functionalized CNF matrix. The newly synthesized cellulose nanocomposite exhibits high electrical and thermal stability. In 2CNF-Im, the activation energy of the proton transport process is the lowest compared to the previously synthesized imidazole-functionalized composites based on other pure cellulose materials and equals 0.62 eV. The synthesized nanomaterial is liquid-free solid polymer electrolyte showing proton conductivity above the boiling point of water.
Highlights
It is still a challenge to obtain solid-state protonconducting polymer electrolytes showing properties making them attractive for application in electrochemical devices, e.g., batteries, fuel cells
The pure cellulose nanofiber-based matrix and nanocomposite images do not differ, no imidazole crystallites are observed on the nanocellulose matrix surface
The first attempt to obtain the new liquid-free polymeric nanocomposite in the form of the film, based on pure cellulose nanofibers (CNF) matrix functionalized with imidazole, was successful
Summary
It is still a challenge to obtain solid-state protonconducting polymer electrolytes showing properties making them attractive for application in electrochemical devices, e.g., batteries, fuel cells Such materials should show the proton conductivity above the boiling point of water, should be liquid-free, thermally stable, environmentally friendly, and easy to manufacture. Bayer et al (2016) reports results for hydrated
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
