Tailoring the PEO-based ion conductive ionene as potential quasi-solid electrolyte for electrochemical devices

Abstract

Recently, using ionic liquids (ILs) as ion source for electrochemical devices is enhancing their performance and long-term stability. However, intrinsically, ILs are liquids which are susceptible to leakage in electrochemical devices. This study aimed at substituting liquid electrolyte with safer and more mechanically stable material with exceptional electrochemical characteristics by synthesizing electrolytes in the solid-state derived from poly(ionic liquid)s. Herein, we synthesized a polyelectrolyte based on triazole-containing ionene via copper(I) catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). To activate cationic moiety, triazole group was quaternized with alkyl groups and subsequently underwent anion metathesis. These unique polyelectrolytes exhibit remarkable ionic conductivity which is at par or if not exceeds the best ionenes in literature. Furthermore, they exhibit good mechanical and thermal stability. Excellent optical transmittances of these ionenes make them a good electrolyte for electrochemical devices. Development of these new electrolytes is promising for the design of no-leak electrochemical devices.