Development and Characterization of Biodegradable Polymer Electrolytes for High-Performance Solid-State Energy Storage Applications

Abstract

The rapid growth of portable electronics, electric vehicles, wearable devices, and renewable energy systems has significantly increased the demand for safe, high-performance, and environmentally sustainable energy storage technologies. Conventional liquid electrolytes employed in lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors provide high ionic conductivity but suffer from several drawbacks, including electrolyte leakage, flammability, limited mechanical stability, and environmental concerns associated with toxic organic solvents. Solid-state polymer electrolytes have emerged as promising alternatives because they offer enhanced safety, improved thermal stability, flexible mechanical properties, and compatibility with next-generation energy storage devices. However, many commercially available polymer electrolytes are synthesized from petroleum-derived polymers that exhibit poor biodegradability and contribute to long-term environmental pollution. Biodegradable polymer electrolytes derived from renewable resources provide an eco-friendly solution by combining excellent ionic transport properties with environmental sustainability. This research focuses on the development, fabrication, characterization, and electrochemical evaluation of biodegradable polymer electrolytes for high-performance solid-state energy storage applications. Biopolymer matrices based on chitosan, starch, cellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol are blended with suitable lithium salts and plasticizers to improve ionic conductivity and mechanical flexibility.