Adaptable polymer-based solid-state electrolytes can be a game-changer to safe, lightweight, flexible batteries. The batteries' alkaline/acidic environment demands exceptional chemical stability from these electrolytes. At the same time, the solid-state electrolyte membrane needs to meet several other requirements, such as no drying up of solvent, high ion-diffusion coefficient, non-swelling framework and superior charge and mass transfer. Lowering the corrosive alkaline hydroxide concentrations in the overall cell promises longer life. Developing new solid-state electrolytes from a molecule-to-material approach allows an organized development of tailor-made solid-state electrolytes for metal-ion/air batteries. To this background, we are developing cationic polymers which host counter-balancing free hydroxide ions in their polymeric framework. By design, under an applied potential, a push-pull drive sets off the towing of hydroxide ions through weak electrostatic, Vander Waals, and hydrogen-bond interactions. The frontier orbitals from a DFT-modeled structure certify this. The hydroxyl polymer requires minimal KOH wetting to maintain a humid environment for a Grotthuss-type transport. A Zinc-air battery (ZAB) constructed using this polymer-coated paper as electrolyte yields a maximum power density of 115 mW/cm<sup>2</sup> and a high specific capacitance of 435 mAh/g. The power density recorded for our ZAB is among the best-performing polymer electrolyte-based ones. In this talk, we will discuss the potential of such materials in realizing polymer-based lightweight charge-storage devices.

Highly stable solid-state electrolytes for flexible, lightweight batteries

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.