Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose Acetate Membrane from Cigarette Butts as Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Battery

Abstract

In this study, polymer electrolyte gel membranes (GPEs) as separators in Lithium-Ion battery cells were prepared using polymer blends between polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and cellulose acetate (CA). The CA used was obtained from the recovery process from cigarette butts. The prepared GPEs showed increased thermal stability and membrane strength. This research consists of two stages, the CA recovery process from cigarette butts is the initial stage, then the next stage is the synthesis of GPEs membranes. In the CA recovery process from cigarette butts, using a solvent mixture of ethanol and toluene with the ratio of 1:1.0, 1:1.1, 1:1.2, and 1:1.3 respectively. Furthermore, CA was characterized using XRD, FTIR, and SEM methods. The characterization results showed that the solvent variation of 1:1.3 produced CA with the most suitable properties with commercial CA. In the synthesis stage, GPEs were made using the Non-solvent Induced Phase Separation method. Membrane solutions were prepared by mixing PVDF/CA polymers with variations of cellulose acetate (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% wt), PVP additives, and ZnO filler. This solution is then printed on glass and then immersed in a non-solvent (water) for the solidification process of membranes. The result shows that the modified GPEs have the best porosity and electrolyte uptake properties of 79.05% and 942.105%, respectively, in the modification with the addition of 10% wt CA.