Microporous PVDF-PMMA Blend-Based Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Electrochemical Applications: Effect of PMMA on Electrochemical and Structural Properties

This paper presents a study on a porous poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) blend-based gel polymer electrolyte, activated in a liquid electrolyte of sodium tetrafluoroborate (NaBF4) in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF4) ionic liquid. The optimized membrane shows porosity and liquid electrolyte uptake of 59% and 187%, respectively, and a maximum ionic conductivity of similar to 0.8 mS cm(-1). The membrane shows a Na + ion transport number of 0.21 and an electrochemical stability window of similar to 5.5 V. A prototype battery using the optimized membrane delivers a discharge capacity of 130 mA h g(-1) at a drain current of 25 mA g(-1). [GRAPHICS] .