Performance of a rechargeable cell using an ionic liquid gel polymer electrolyte and natural graphite electrode

Abstract

With the concepts of green environment and the priority given on economical aspects, a great deal of research activities has been diverted towards clean and low-cost device fabrication. Central focus was on eliminating the use of toxic and expensive materials like Li and different solvents. Application of ionic liquid-based gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) and non-Li electrodes can address many shortcomings associated with liquid, solid and GPEs. In the present study, characteristics of a rechargeable cell with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulphonate-based GPE having Zn and Sri Lankan natural graphite electrodes have been investigated. For characterization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge discharge test have been performed at room temperature. The open circuit voltage of the cell was about 1V. Specific charge and discharge capacities of the cell were 4.66 and $$2.99 \hbox { mA h g}^{-1}$$, respectively. Moreover, efficiency of the specific charge was 80.2% over 500 cycles, while efficiency of specific discharge was 92% over 1000 cycles. These results proved the suitability of the electrolyte and electrodes investigated in the present study to be used well in rechargeable cells.