Electrolyte Films Research Articles

Thin Film Based Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Solid-State Ammonia Synthesis

Ammonia is the of the most crucial chemicals and currently primarily produced through the Haber-Bosch process causing the industrial ammonia production to emit more CO2 than any other chemical-making reaction. While the current primary function of ammonia lies within the fertilizer production, it can also be directly used as a fuel for power generation or in the maritime industry. Compared to hydrogen, ammonia has superior storage and transportation capabilities due to its greater volumetric energy density and mild conditions for liquefication. Given the need of reducing global carbon emissions, ammonia could be synthesized electrochemically using air, water and electricity by the Solid-State Ammonia Synthesis (SSAS). Protonic ceramic cells operate within an intermediate temperature regime of around 450 - 550 °C which is well suited for this process. Within our work, we present a tubular membrane electrode unit entirely made of ceramic components based on a barium zirconate thin film electrolyte. An ammonia production rate of 9.06 × 10-10 mol s-1 cm-2 and a Faradaicefficiency of 6.58% were achieved using a NiO-BaZr0.7Ce0.2Y0.1O3- δ | BaZr0.8Y0.2O3- δ | Ru@Ba0.5Sr0.5TiO3-δ cell.A key innovation lies in the production of dense BaZr0.8Y0.2O3-δ electrolyte layers, ranging from 1 to 5 µm in thickness, utilizing a Closed-Field Unbalanced Magnetron Sputtering (CFUMS) process. This technique allows precise adjustments of stoichiometric ratios within the perovskite structure, offering improved sputtering yields compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the crystallinity, phase purity, and microstructure of sputter-deposited thin films are enhanced through selective laser annealing (SLA), resulting in high-density films composed of single-phase BaZr0.8Y0.2O3-δ with average crystallite sizes of 200 nm while avoiding substrate damage from thermal stress. Electrochemical performance was evaluated through impedance spectroscopy, half-cell tests and full cell tests providing insights into the efficacy of the developed tubular membrane reactor for the electrochemical synthesis of ammonia. The results demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing ceramic proton conductors in SSAS, particularly highlighting the potential of high-pressure operation up to 80 bars in tubular cells at relatively low temperatures around 450 °C, thereby achieving attractive NH3 production rates.This research contributes to the evolving landscape of sustainable ammonia synthesis by presenting a novel approach that integrates advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. Electrification and decentralization of the ammonia supply chain will expand the market by supporting its current use as fertilizer source and enable a new route as green energy carrier paving the way for an ammonia-based economy. Figure 1

Study on the Performance and Mechanism of Morpholine Salt Volatile Corrosion Inhibitors on Carbon Steel

A series of morpholine salt volatile corrosion inhibitors (VCIs) were synthesized via solid-phase chemical reactions. The corrosion inhibition performance was assessed using evaporation weight loss, VCI capability, and corrosion weight loss tests. The corrosion inhibition mechanisms of the morpholine salt VCIs for carbon steel in atmospheric conditions were explored through electrochemical testing under thin film electrolytes, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and computational simulations. Morpholine carbonate exhibited higher volatility. Corrosion weight loss tests showed an >85% reduction for steel treated with morpholine benzoate or morpholine carbonate. The inhibitors’ inhibition mechanism, elucidated through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and computational simulations, revealed that morpholine carbonate and benzoate form protective layers via physical and chemical adsorption on the steel surface, coordinating with iron atoms through nitrogen and oxygen atoms. Quantum chemical calculations demonstrated that morpholine carbonate had stronger adsorption energy and electron transfer capabilities, indicating superior corrosion inhibition performance over morpholine benzoate.

Development of Eco‐Friendly Chitosan‐Dextran Polyblend Electrolyte for Enhanced Performance in Primary Magnesium Batteries

The potential of next‐generation batteries lies in solid biodegradable polymer electrolytes. This research delves into a solid blend polymer electrolyte (SBPE) for magnesium conduction, utilizing a chitosan‐dextran blend matrix doped with magnesium perchlorate (Mg(ClO4)2) salt. The electrolyte films are prepared using a conventional solution casting technique. Through techniques like X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the successful incorporation of Mg(ClO4)2 into the blend matrix is confirmed. Notably, the SBPE containing 30 wt% of Mg(ClO4)2 demonstrates the highest ionic conductivity of 6.99 × 10−4 S cm−1 and a prominent ionic transference number of 0.84. Thermogravimetric analysis is carried out to study thermal stability. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis of the electrolyte systems gives insight into their thermal properties. Additionally, it showcases favorable electrochemical stability of 2.66 V. The oxidation and reduction peaks are observed in the cyclic voltammetry curve of the highest conducting sample. Furthermore, the discharge performance of Mg/(CS + DN + Mg(ClO4)2)/cathode cells is explored with varied cathode materials, illustrating the SBPE's potential for magnesium‐ion batteries. This study unveils a sustainable, biodegradable, and economical electrolyte solution for advanced energy storage systems.

Renewable symmetric supercapacitors assembled with lignin nanoparticles-based thin film electrolyte and carbon aerogel electrodes

Lignin as a natural biopolymer is becoming increasingly in demand due to its eco-friendly properties, while lignin-based electrolyte with high conductivity and reliable durability for applications in supercapacitors is still challenging. Herein, a facile method to prepare lignin nanoparticles (LNPs)-based solid electrolyte thin film (LF) was proposed through chemical cross-linking reaction. The fabricated LF exhibited a distinctive spongy porous structure with the ionic conductivity of 3.26 mS cm−1, demonstrating the exceptional flexibility and favorable mechanical properties. Moreover, the assembly of all-LNPs-based symmetric supercapacitor (SSC) devices was achieved using LF electrolyte and LCA electrodes for the first time, confirming the LF3 electrolyte superior to commercial cellulose separator in capacitive behaviour. This SSC device exhibited a specific capacitance of 122.7 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and the maximum energy density of 17.04 W h kg−1. Furthermore, the incorporation of sodium alginate (SA) significantly enhanced the ionic conductivity of SA/LF3 electrolyte, and the resulting SSC device delivered a higher specific capacitance of 174.5 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and the maximum energy and power densities of 24.24 W h kg−1 and 5023 W kg−1, respectively. This study proposes a promising approach for sustainable utilization of lignin in energy storage applications.

Influence of Lithium Triflate Salt Concentration on Structural, Thermal, Electrochemical, and Ionic Conductivity Properties of Cassava Starch Solid Biopolymer Electrolytes.

Cassava starch solid biopolymer electrolyte (SBPE) films were prepared by a thermochemical method with different concentrations of lithium triflate (LiTFT) as a dopant salt. The process began with dispersing cassava starch in water, followed by heating to facilitate gelatinization; subsequently, plasticizers and LiTFT were added at differing concentrations. The infrared spectroscopy analysis (FTIR-ATR) showed variations in the wavenumber of some characteristic bands of starch, thus evidencing the interaction between the LiTFT salt and biopolymeric matrix. The short-range crystallinity index, determined by the ratio of COH to COC bands, exhibited the highest crystallinity in the salt-free SBPEs and the lowest in the SBPEs with a concentration ratio (Xm) of 0.17. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the salt addition increased the dehydration process temperature by 5 °C. Additionally, the thermal decomposition processes were shown at lower temperatures after the addition of the LiTFT salt into the SBPEs. The differential scanning calorimetry showed that the addition of the salt affected the endothermic process related to the degradation of the packing of the starch molecules, which occurred at 70 °C in the salt-free SBPEs and at lower temperatures (2 or 3 °C less) in the films that contained the LiTFT salt at different concentrations. The cyclic voltammetry analysis of the SBPE films identified the redox processes of the glucose units in all the samples, with observed differences in peak potentials (Ep) and peak currents (Ip) across various salt concentrations. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to establish the equivalent circuit model Rf-(Cdl/(Rct-(CPE/Rre))) and determine the electrochemical parameters, revealing a higher conduction value of 2.72 × 10-3 S cm-1 for the SBPEs with Xm = 17 and a lower conduction of 5.80 × 10-4 S cm-1 in the salt-free SBPEs. It was concluded that the concentration of LiTFT salt in the cassava starch SBPE films influences their morphology and slightly reduces their thermal stability. Furthermore, the electrochemical behavior is affected in terms of variations in the redox potentials of the glucose units of the biopolymer and in their ionic conductivity.

Electrolyte and interfacial engineering for self-formation of In₂S₃/In₂O₃ heterojunction with an enhanced photoelectrochemical activity

Electrolyte and interfacial engineering of photoanodes has become a crucial approach to enhance photoelectrochemical water-splitting performance. By optimizing both the electrolyte and the interfacial properties of the photoanode, the synergistic effects of the heterojunction and electrolyte can be leveraged to improve efficiency. In this work, we explore the crucial role of electrolyte and interfacial engineering in optimizing photoanode performance. By engineering an In2O3 film in a polysulfide electrolyte to form an in-situ In₂S₃/In₂O₃ heterojunction interface, we demonstrate a significant increase in anodic photocurrent compared to traditional aqueous Na2SO4 or NaOH electrolytes. This enhancement is attributed to both the thermodynamically favorable oxidation of sulfide and sulfite, and the unique electronic structure developed at the In₂S₃/In₂O₃ junction, which significantly improves charge separation and overall performance. Based on this finding, an efficient In₂S₃/In₂O3 heterojunction interface through optimal anion exchange with sulfur was developed, leading to a maximum photocurrent density of 5.57 mA cm−2 in the polysulfide electrolyte. In addition, detailed structural, optical, and photoelectrochemical properties of the In₂S₃/In₂O₃ interface providing insights into the mechanisms underlying the enhanced water-splitting performance have also been discussed.

Mechanical-durable and humidity-resistant dry-processed halide solid-state electrolyte films for all-solid-state battery

Mechanical-durable and humidity-resistant dry-processed halide solid-state electrolyte films for all-solid-state battery

Beyond Traditional fuel cells: Development and a comprehensive analysis of mechanically Robust metal mesh-supported solid oxide fuel cell

At elevated operating temperatures, a large temperature gradient can cause irreparable damage to the solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) stack, eventually interrupting the durability of the stack. Metal substrate support could be used to overcome this challenge. However, the application of metal substrate support poses various challenges such as different thermal expansion coefficients, pore diameters, and complex fabrication techniques. Therefore, a first-ever novel and mechanically strong ferritic stainless-steel metal mesh-supported SOFC design is developed to mitigate these challenges. The metal mesh of 200 μm thickness is laminated with tape-casted green films of anode-support, anode functional layer (AFL), and electrolyte films of SOFC. The iso-static pressure of 300 MPa exhibits a firm attachment of the green films of SOFC with the metal mesh. Subsequently, the metal mesh-supported planar SOFC exhibits 3.3 times higher flexural strength compared to the conventional commercial anode-supported planar SOFC. The nano-CuO is added to constituent layers as a sintering aid to attain the maximum density at a lower sintering temperature of 1100 °C. The result shows that the practical application of the metal mesh-supported cell technology has a great potential to overwhelm the mechanical durability of SOFCs.

Supercapacitive performance of self-assembled thin film of liquid catocene/basal plane pyrolytic graphite electrode

Reasonable design of electrode material with low cost, lightweight, and excellent electrochemical properties is of great significance for future large-scale energy storage applications. Herein, we report the electrochemical and supercapacitive behaviour of the liquid redox of catocene, 2,2’-bis(ethyl-ferroceneyl) propane, self-assembled on a basal plane pyrolitic graphite electrode in comparison to the solid ferrocene thin film in aqueous sodium sulfate electrolyte. The modified electrode surfaces were evaluated to assess the iron content and the formation of thin film using scanning electron microscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance method. Also, the supercapacitive performances of the related modified electrodes were assessed and compared using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge in a three-electrode system and an asymmetric two-electrode supercapacitor system. Electro­chemical results showed that the electrode processes are diffusion-controlled with battery-like behaviour, and the liquid catocene exhibits more effective interaction with the graphite surface in comparison to solid ferrocene. The catocene surface coverage on graphite is nearly 50-75 % higher than ferrocene, leading to improved interaction and charge transfer resistance, observed in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies. In galvanostatic charge-discharge evaluations, the supercapacitor based on catocene modified electrode shows a specific capacitance of 141.2 F g-1 at a current density of 1.0 A g-1, with a specific energy density of 56.7 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 2.9 kW kg-1.

Calcium Alginate as an Active Device Component for Light-Triggered Degradation of 2D MoS2-Based Transient Electronics.

Transient electronics technology has enabled the programmed disintegration of functional devices, paving the way for environmentally sustainable management of electronic wastes as well as facilitating the exploration of novel device concepts. While a variety of inorganic and/or organic materials have been employed as media to introduce transient characteristics in electronic devices, they have been mainly limited to function as passive device components. Herein, we report that calcium (Ca) alginate, a natural biopolymer, exhibits multifunctionalities of introducing light-triggered transient characteristics as well as constituting active components in electronic devices integrated with two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) layers. Ca2+ ions-based alginate electrolyte films are prepared through hydrolysis reactions and are subsequently incorporated with riboflavin, a natural photosensitizer, for the light-driven dissolution of 2D MoS2 layers. The alginate films exhibit strain-sensitive triboelectricity, confirming the presence of abundant mobile Ca2+ ions, which enables them to be active components of 2D MoS2 field-effect transistors (FETs) functioning as electrolyte top-gates. The alginate-integrated 2D MoS2 FETs display intriguing transient characteristics of spontaneous degradation upon ultraviolet-to-visible light illumination as well as water exposure. Such transient characteristics are demonstrated even in ambient conditions with natural sunlight, highlighting the versatility of the developed approach. This study emphasizes a relatively unexplored aspect of combining naturally abundant polymers with emerging near atom-thickness semiconductors toward realizing unconventional and transformative device functionalities.

Exploring the role of deep eutectic solvents in enhancing the properties of PMMA for potential electrolyte films

In this study, a novel series of solid PMMA containing deep eutectic solvent (DES) (PMMADES) (Mw = ∼28,374 g mol−1) was successfully synthesized via free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in different types of DES (e.g., choline chloride (ChCl): 1,2-butanediol (1,2-BD)-DESI, ChCl: 1,3-butanediol (1,3-BD)-DESII, and ChCl: 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD)-DESIII) in order to overcome the brittleness of commercial PMMA film. Interestingly, flexible PMMADES films with a reduced glass transition temperature (Tg) from 73.36 °C (PMMA) to 55.38 °C were obtained. This is due to the ability of DES to act as a plasticizer by forming interactions with PMMA, as confirmed by FTIR analysis. In addition, the incorporated DES also results in a reduction in the number of crystalline grains, as observed from their optical micrographs. This is due to the increment in amorphous content, as proven by XRD analysis, which shows a reduction in crystallite size from 1.20 nm (PMMA) to 1.12 nm upon the addition of DES. Also, this study found that the PMMADESI system, which involved the incorporation of ChCl: 1,2-BD (DESI), exhibited the highest ionic conductivity (∼10−8 S cm−1) and lowest value of Tg (55.38 °C). This was due to the closest position of the hydroxyl group in 1,2-BD, which contributes to the greater disorderliness and wider ion distribution of the PMMA matrix.

Electrochemical Properties of Mo4VC4Tx MXene in Aqueous Electrolytes.

M5C4Tx MXenes represent the most recently discovered and least studied subfamily of out-of-plane ordered double transition metal carbides with 11 atomic layers, probably the thickest of all 2D materials. Molybdenum (Mo) and vanadium (V) in Mo4VC4Tx offer multiple oxidation states, making this MXene potentially attractive for electrochemical energy storage applications. Herein, we evaluated the electrochemical properties of Mo4VC4Tx free-standing thin films in acidic, basic, and neutral aqueous electrolytes and observed the highest gravimetric capacitance of 219 F g-1 at 2 mV s-1 in a 3 M H2SO4. Further, we investigated the intercalation states of four different cations (H+, Li+, Na+, and K+) in MXenes through ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulation and used density functional theory (DFT) calculations to assess the charge storage mechanisms in different electrolytes. These studies show hydrated Li+, Na+, and K+ ions forming an electric double layer (EDL) at the MXene surface as the primary charge storage mechanism. This work shows the promise of Mo4VC4Tx MXene for energy storage in aqueous electrolytes.

High-resolution Li depth profiling in a thin-film all-solid-state battery using TOF-ERDA

A quantitative understanding of the Li distribution inside all-solid-state Li-ion batteries is important for improving the performance of batteries. We constructed a time-of-flight (TOF) elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) system for operando measurements of thin-film Li-ion batteries. The TOF-ERDA measurement provides elementally resolved spectra with a depth resolution much higher than that of conventional stopper-foil ERDA. The Li depth profiles in a cathode film and solid electrolyte were obtained quantitatively to a depth of 100 nm using a 9-MeV Cu ion beam with reflection geometry. In this study, we conducted TOF-ERDA for a thin-film battery having a cathode made from LiCoO2, an oxide-based solid electrolyte [lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (LATP)], and an anode made from Fe2(MoO4)3 to demonstrate the ability of the measurement system and reveal the Li distribution near the interface with improved resolution. The depth resolution at the interface (30 nm from the surface) was estimated to be 12–14 nm. We quantitatively obtained the Li density in the LiCoO2 cathode and the variation in the Li distribution around the LiCoO2/LATP interface and inside the LATP electrolyte upon charging/discharging. TOF-ERDA is thus a powerful tool for the high-resolution quantitative depth analysis of Li in thin-film batteries in operando.

Electrochemical Jet Machining of Surface Texture: Improving the Strength of Hot-Pressure-Welded AA6061-CF/PA66 Joints

Diverse industries are witnessing an increase in demand for hybrid structures of metals and carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRTPs). Welding is an essential technique in the manufacture of metal–CFRTP hybrid structures. However, achieving high-strength metal–CFRTP welded joints faces serious challenges due to the considerable disparities in material characteristics. As an effective method to strengthen metal–CFRTP joints, surface texturing on metal is gaining significant attention. This study introduces an emerging surface texturing approach, electrochemical jet machining (EJM) using a film electrolyte jet, for enhancing the performance of AA6061-CF/PA66 hot-pressure-welded (HPW) joints. Parametric effects on surface morphology and roughness in the EJM of AA6061 are investigated. The results show that a rough surface with multiscale pores can be generated on AA6061 by EJM, and that surface morphology can be modulated by adjusting the applied current density and jet translational speed. Subsequently, the effects of different EJM-textured surface morphologies on the performance of HPW joints are examined. Surface textures created by EJM are demonstrated to significantly enhance the mechanical interlocking effect at the bonding interface between AA6061 and CF/PA66, resulting in a substantial increase in joint strength. The maximum joint strength attained in the present work with EJM texturing is raised by 45.29% compared to the joints without surface texturing. Additionally, the joint strength slightly improves as the roughness of EJM-textured surfaces rises, with the exception of rough surfaces that are textured with a combination of low current density and rapid translational speed. Overall, these findings suggest that EJM texturing using a film jet prior to welding is a potential approach for the manufacture of high-performance metal–CFRTP hybrid structures.

Towards a scalable production of β-Li3PS4-based all-solid-state batteries: Optimizing pressing parameters of the tape-casted solid electrolyte and composite cathode films

Pressing of all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) components is one of the most important processes for scalable production. Henceforth, pressing parameters (pressure and temperature) for β-Li3PS4 (β-LPS) solid electrolyte (SE) separator films and LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2 (NCM622)/β-LPS composite cathode films prepared by a slurry-based process were investigated and optimized. Compression of the β-LPS film at a temperature of 100 °C led to higher ionic conductivity than cold-pressed films. Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses revealed no changes in the chemical nature of β-LPS material after hot pressing. Interestingly, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometric (ToF-SIMS) analyses indicated a binder enrichment in the upper layers of the hot-pressed film. In a similar trend, increasing compression and temperature resulted in higher densification of NCM622/β-LPS composite cathode films. Based on galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, hot-pressed composite cathode at 200 MPa/100 °C exhibited a higher coverage percent of catholyte on cathode active material and a greater Li+ diffusion coefficient (DLi+) than cold-pressed one at 200 MPa/20 °C. Cycling tests of “Li–In│β-LPS│NCM/β-LPS” ASSBs with hot-pressed films displayed better cycling performance than that with cold-pressed ones, attributed to the higher concentration of electrochemically active NCM in close contact with β-LPS catholyte.

Attapulgite Enhanced Polyethylene Oxide-Polyvinylidene Difluoride-Based Composite Solid-State Electrolyte for All Solid State Li-Ion Batteries

We report an attapulgite-modified poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) based solid-state composite electrolyte film by solution casting method. The influence of attapulgite and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) on the electrical properties of PEO-based solid-state electrolytes was investigated and it is found that an optimal 3% attapulgite and 10% PVDF in the electrolyte film (0.9PEO-0.1PVDF-LiClO4-3% attapulgite) exhibited a high ionic conductivity of 2.55×10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature and electronic conductivity of 2.25×10−11 S cm−1. Furthermore, The LiFePO4/0.85PEO-0.15PVDF-LiClO4-3% attapulgite/Li all-solid battery exhibited a promising initial discharge capacity of 120 mAh g−1, and even after 10 cycles at 0.1 C, the specific capacity values of the all-solid battery remained above 60 mAh g−1.

Effect of the dynamic contact angle on electromagnetically driven flows in free liquid films

We study the effect of a dynamic contact angle on an electromagnetically driven flow in a horizontal free electrolyte film stretched between two coaxial cylindrical electrodes and placed in a uniform magnetic field. The flow dynamics and film deformation are described using the reduced hydrodynamic model derived in the lubrication approximation in [A. Pototsky and S. A. Suslov, J. Fluid Mech., 984, A75 (2024)]. The linearized molecular kinetic model is used to relate the dynamic and static contact angles to the wetting-line friction coefficient. Steady azimuthal flow is found for arbitrary static contact angles. Linear stability of the base azimuthal flow with respect to azimuthally invariant perturbations is studied using the numerical continuation method. We find that the flow stability is highly sensitive to variations of the wetting-line friction coefficient and the static contact angle. The least stable azimuthal flow is found for the frictionless contact line corresponding to a free film that remains perpendicular to the surface of the electrodes. The azimuthal flows are found to experience a supercritical Hopf bifurcation upon which they transition to a stable oscillatory dynamic regime characterized by alternating squeezing and swelling of the film near the inner and outer electrodes.

AC Impedance Analysis of Blend Polymer Electrolyte of PVP – PPA with Magnesium Salts as an Ionic Dopant for Potential Battery Applications

Abstract Solid polymer electrolyte films containing blend polymer electrolyte of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Poly p - amino benzoic acid (PPA) with varying ratios of magnesium salts were synthesized by solution casting method. Their conduction and relaxation mechanisms were studied by impedance spectroscopy (AC) at room temperature. The dependence of electrical data on frequency was analyzed by Cole – Cole plot and Jonscher’s power law. The semicircle seen in the plot represents the double relaxation process and shows how bulk electrolyte and the interfacial effect contribute to non-Debye and electrical conduction. The ac and dc conductivity values were calculated and the conductivity variation for the blend polymer PVP – PPA doped with different concentrations of magnesium salts was explained by the ionic contribution of the electrolytes. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss were measured by the dielectric investigations. The relaxation phenomenon of these electrolytes is provided by the dissipation factor analysis and electric modulus value. The conductivity of the system determines the suitability of the thin film concentration for potential battery applications as a polymer electrolyte.

Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Polymer Electrolyte Films for an Electrochemical Double Layer Cell

Polymer electrolyte films based on DES were prepared with the solution cast technique. DES(ChCl-glycerol) was prepared with two different glycerols: one purchased from the industry and the other fabricated in the lab from waste vegetable oil. Two polymer electrolyte films were prepared with two different DES (industrial and from oil-based glycerol) were named D1 and D2, respectively. Fabricated polymer film (D1) with DES (prepared with industrial glycerol) shows excellent physical and thermochemical properties. The molecular and structural characteristics of the film were studied via FTIR and XRD. The surface morphology, thermal and electric properties of film were studied with SEM, TGA, and impedance spectroscopy techniques, respectively. The obtained films were flexible, strong, and transparent. Its properties are ascribed to a strong coherent hydrogen bond network with the matrix of the polymer. Polymer electrolyte film D1 exhibited good ionic conductivity of 1.25×10-3 Scm-1. The prepared polymer film was applied as solid electrolytes in symmetric solid-state supercapacitors. The fabricated EDLC cell exhibits specific capacitance of at voltage with scan rate. Moreover, the prepared electrolyte is biocompatible, environment safe and cost-effective that offers a new path for adaptable electronic devices. Keywords: Green electrolytes, Supercapacitor, Deep eutectic solvent, Hydrogen bond network, Choline chloride-glycerol.

A highly stable zinc anode protected by a corrosion inhibitor for seawater-based zinc-ion batteries

The island-based energy storage is of urgent need for the grid construction combined with renewable energy for offshore operation. The direct use of seawater as a substitute of deionized water shows its great promise for aqueous zinc-ion batteries in such a specific situation. However, the metal corrosion, dendrite growth, and hydrogen evolution stand out in the harsh seawater environment. To address these challenges, we proposed a corrosion inhibitor that was effective in the field of metal anti-corrosion, 2-phosphonobutane-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid (PBTCA), to inhibit anode corrosion caused by Cl– and active H2O molecules by forming a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film in the seawater-based electrolyte. Besides, PBTCA can chelate with other cations present in seawater, such as Ca2+ and Mg2+, thereby preventing the aggregation and precipitation of sparingly soluble species. Under a current density of 5 mA cm−2, the seawater-based zinc-ion battery exhibited an exceptional cycle life exceeding 2000 h and maintained a Coulombic efficiency of over 99.6% after 2000 cycles. Additionally, the performance of the Zn||ZVO full battery was significantly enhanced with the addition of PBTCA. This study provides a simple, low-cost, and efficient approach for making the seawater-based zinc-ion batteries useable.