Electrospun 3D fibrous network based on Poly(acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) as gel polymer electrolyte Membranes: An optimisation study

Abstract

Novel electrospun gel polymer electrolytes (GPE) based on poly(acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) three-dimensional (3D) fibrous network membranes have been fabricated. The electrospinning parameters, including the solution and process parameters, were varied to explore improved non-woven membranes with better average fibre diameter, high porosity, and uniform morphology. The preliminary suitability of these membranes as a host matrix for polymer electrolytes in lithium ion batteries was assessed based on ionic conductivity. The properties of these membranes as polymer electrolytes were evaluated through hydrophobicity, porosity, electrolyte uptake, electrolyte retention ratio, cyclic voltammetry, and complex AC impedance studies. The GPEs exhibited excellent porosity (>80 %), good electrochemical performance, and an ionic conductivity of ∼ 10^–3 Scm⁻¹. This comprehensive study on the electrospinning parameters for preparing a 3D network of fibrous membranes as GPEs for lithium ion batteries is promising.