Performance studies on composite gel polymer electrolytes for rechargeable magnesium battery application

• Published in: The Journal of physics and chemistry of solids Vol. 72; no. 12; pp. 1408 - 1413
• Main Authors: Pandey, G.P., Agrawal, R.C., Hashmi, S.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2011
• Subjects: A. Polymers; Battery; D. Electrical properties; D. Electrochemical properties; Dispersions; Electric batteries; Electrodes; Electrolytes; Electrolytic cells; Magnesium; Magnesium oxide; A. Polymers; D. Electrochemical properties; D. Electrical properties
• ISSN: 0022-3697; 1879-2553
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpcs.2011.08.003

Effect of micron-sized MgO particles dispersion on poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF–HFP) based magnesium-ion (Mg
2+) conducting gel polymer electrolyte has been studied using various electrical and electrochemical techniques. The composite gel films are free-standing and flexible with enough mechanical strength. The optimized composition with 10
wt% MgO particles offers a maximum electrical conductivity of ∼6×10
−3
S
cm
−1 at room temperature (∼25°C). The Mg
2+ ion conduction in gel film is confirmed from cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy and transport number measurements. The applicability of the composite gel electrolyte to a rechargeable battery system has been examined by fabricating a prototype cell consisting of Mg (or Mg–MWCNT composite) and V
2O
5 as negative and positive electrodes, respectively. The rechargeability of the cell has been improved, when Mg metal was substituted by Mg–MWCNT composite as negative electrode.
► Studied the effect of micron-sized MgO dispersion on Mg
2+-conducting gel polymer electrolytes. ► Composite gel electrolyte films are fast ion conducting and mechanically stable. ► Dispersion of MgO in gel electrolyte results in enhancement in Mg
2+ ion transport number. ► Applicability of the gel electrolyte is examined in a proto-type rechargeable Mg-battery. ► Rechargeability of the Mg-cell is improved, when Mg metal is replaced by Mg–MWCNT composite anode.