The new generation of flexible wearable electronics is becoming one of the most in-demand wearable tech in most parts of the world, be it for regular use or for medical reasons, which gives rise to the need for the development of safe and flexible rechargeable batteries. Some of the most basic requirements for such batteries constitute the ease of use, flexibility, mechanical strength, and environmental friendliness. This can be achieved by carefully designing the electrolyte for the battery such that it fulfills the mentioned properties without compromising the electrochemical performance of the battery. This study sheds light on the development of a safe, flexible, and environmentally friendly solid electrolyte film based on a biopolymer. The electrolyte film derived from Chitosan, which is a biocompatible biopolymer, offers various advantages over the conventional liquid electrolytes. When soaked in an alkaline liquid, KOH, this Chitosan-film can be used as an efficient electrolyte for Zn-MnO2 battery chemistry. According to optical imaging, the incorporation of freeze drying for the preparation of the solid electrolyte films provided a lamellar structure with a microporous morphology. Higher concentrations of Chitosan enabled the film to absorb and retain increased amount of KOH because of the hydrogen bonds present between the Chitosan molecules and KOH, which helped in enhancing the ionic conductivity (IC) of the freeze-dried electrolyte, i.e., 300-600 mS/cm, at a thickness of 150-170µm. Additionally, the obtained electrolyte demonstrated exceptional mechanical strength and flexibility which also makes it a promising solid electrolyte for Zinc metal batteries, as it has a potential to impede the progression of Zn dendrites during cycling, thereby improving the stability and lifespan of the battery.
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