Photopolymerized gel polymer electrolytes with cyclic carbonate side chains for Li-organic batteries at room temperature

In this study, we developed gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) containing cyclic carbonate side chains produced via UV-induced free radical polymerization, a fast and cost-efficient synthesis route, for Li-organic batteries. Cyclic carbonate methacrylate (CCMA) was copolymerized with diethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMEM) for 1 h. Then the resultant polymer films were swelled in 1 M LiPF 6 in EC/DMC (50/50, v/v) with an electrolyte uptake of 500 %. These novel GPEs with an ionic conductivity of 1.1 mS cm −1 at 20 °C were electrochemically tested in Li//PTMA cells in comparison with LP30. They were found to show maximum discharge capacities (62.6 vs. 63.9 mAh g −1 , GPE vs. LP30) at 0.1 C in addition to better compatibility with Li anodes (25.7 vs . 40.2 mV overpotential in Li stripping/plating tests) and a comparable electrochemical stability window. The results confirm that these GPEs are promising candidates for Li-organic batteries. • Novel UV-polymerized GPEs with cyclic carbonate side chains revealing high electrolyte uptake were developed. • The GPE displays high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical stability window, and low overpotential. • The GPE demonstrates an electrochemical performance comparable to the conventional liquid electrolyte in Li-organic batteries.