Single- Versus Dual-Ion UV-Cross-Linked Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Li–O₂ Batteries

Lithium–O2 batteries represent one of the most appealing candidates for battery electric vehicles because their remarkable theoretical high energy density, similar to fossil fuels. Solid polymer electrolytes a plausible solution tackle some challenges associated with conventional liquid-based Li–O2 batteries, including safety concerns. Herein, cross-linked robust gel (GPEs) based on poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate and tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether as plasticizer are prepared by rapid UV-photopolymerization. Both types GPEs presented ionic conductivity at room temperature (1.6 × 10–4 1.4 10–3 S·cm–1 single ion or dual ion, respectively). GPEs, single-ion dual-ion lithium conductors, have been compared first time cells. First, performance was investigated in symmetrical Li|Li In this case, GPE showed outstanding behavior where overpotential <0.2 V versus Li0/Li+ more than 40 h current density ±1 mA·cm–2. On other hand, full configuration, cell superior discharge capacity, up 2.38 mA·h·cm–2. Here, dynamic characterization technique is proposed method evaluating polarization effect during an easy, quantifiable, reproducible manner.