A comparative study of hydroxyethylcellulose‐based solid polymer electrolytes for solid state Zn batteries

Rechargeable zinc metal batteries are greener and safer alternative to lithium batteries, but they suffer from poor reversibility due growth of dendrites water splitting reactions aqueous electrolytes. One strategy overcome these drawbacks is replacing electrolyte with solid polymer (SPE). In this work, we examine the possibility fabricating a bio-based polymer, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), aim further increase sustainability batteries. Various types salts, drying procedures salt concentrations investigated for their impact on ionic conductivity, structure, phase behavior as-prepared It found that HEC has good film-forming ability compared commonly used poly(ethylene oxide) its low salt-dissociation capability leads an conductivity 10−6 S cm−1 even at elevated temperature 110°C, hindering solely utilizing as matrix electrolyte. Our results suggest introducing new higher or lower glass transition into can be reliable way build electrolytes sufficient mechanical property future