The development of polymer electrolytes has drawn the attention of many researchers in the last three decades as they find applications not only in lithium batteries but also, in other electrochemical devices such as super capacitors and electrochromic devices, etc. These polymer electrolytes have several advantages over their liquid counter parts. they are expected to replace flammable and leakage-prone organic solvent-based as electrolytes in future energy storage devices. In addition, these electrolytes have no internal shorting and non-combustible reaction products at the electrode surface existing in the liquid electrolytes [1-2].

In this communication, we will present a novel methodology, and straightforward conceptual approach for convenient preparation of gel-type polymers and membrane electrolytes [3] ( figure 1). We will demonstrate their morphologies and mechanical properties by rheological measurements of the gel under different strains and by XPs. Finally, we will illustrate the potential of the resulting gels as quasi-solid materials for energy storage applications through the study of different parameters such as: electrochemical stability, lithium diffusion and ionic conductivity properties,cycling test.

[1] Mecerreyes, D., Prog. Polym. Sci 36(12), 1629-1648 (2011).

[2] Yuan, J.; Mecerreyes, D.; Antonietti, M., Prog. Polym. Sci 38(7), 1009-1036 (2013).

[3] Srour, H.; Ratel, O.; Leocmach, M.; Adams, E. A.; Denis-Quanquin, S.; Appukuttan, V.; Taberlet, N.; Manneville, S.; Majesté, J.-C.; Carrot, C.; Andraud, C.; Monnereau, C., Macromol. Rapid Commun. 36 (1), 55-59 (2015)