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Energy management

Breakthrough in Energy Storage: Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Polymer Electrolyte

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A team of researchers at the University of Sulaimani has made a significant breakthrough in the field of energy storage by developing a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) using a non-toxic salt. This breakthrough is crucial in addressing the dangers posed by chemical waste and the rising levels of microplastics in the ocean, particularly as the demand for renewable energy continues to rise worldwide. The research was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research-Kurdish National Research Council (KNRC) and the Kurdistan Regional Government/Iraq.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers developed a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) using a non-toxic salt, which is an eco-friendly alternative to conventional liquid electrolytes in energy storage applications.
  • The SPE was prepared using poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), sodium acetate (CH3COONa), and glycerol (Gly), which provided Na+ cation and acted as a plasticizer, respectively.
  • The ionic conductivity of the electrolytes was measured at the highest Gly concentration, with a value of 1.49 x 10^-4 S/cm.
  • Additional measurements, such as dielectric spectroscopy and electric modulus, were conducted to determine the ions fraction and their contribution.
  • The PVA:CH3COONa:Gly film exhibited a potential stability of 2.35 V, and the specific capacitance of the fabricated electric double-layered capacitor (EDLC) was found to be 64.6 F/g.
  • The capacitive behavior of the EDLC was examined using the CV test, which showed a specific capacitance of 64.6 F/g and an energy density of 9.2 Wh/kg at the first cycle.
  • The power density of the SPE ranged from 1430 W/kg to 1273 W/kg, indicating good stability, and the energy density remained nearly constant throughout 8000 cycles.

Statistics:

  • Ionic conductivity of the electrolytes: 1.49 x 10^-4 S/cm.
  • Specific capacitance of the EDLC: 64.6 F/g.
  • Energy density at the first cycle: 9.2 Wh/kg.
  • Power density: 1430 W/kg to 1273 W/kg.
  • Number of cycles with stable energy density: 8000.

Sources:

  • Electrochemical Studies of Edlc Device With Commercialized Properties Constructed From Biodegradable Plasticized Pva Based Electrolyte: Electrical and Energy Storage Properties. Journal of Energy Storage, 2025; 123.
  • Journal of Energy Storage. Elsevier. Radarweg 29, 1043 NX Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • University of Sulaimani. Research and Development Center. Qlyasan St, Sulaymaniyah 46001, Iraq.

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