Role of Cations in Ionic Liquid-Based Polymer Composite Electrolyte Organic Supercapacitors
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Solid-state supercapacitors utilizing ionic liquid-based polymer composite electrolytes (IL- b -PCEs) have gained attention as promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems due to their high ionic conductivity, wide electrochemical stability, and nonvolatility. However, the specific influence of cation species on the electrochemical performance of IL- b -PCEs has remained insufficiently explored. This study aims to analyze the impact of three distinct cations 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (EMIM + ), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium (BMIM + ), and proton (H + ), on the physicochemical characteristics and charge storage behavior in PVA-based IL- b -PCEs systems. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy elucidates a notable shift in the O–H stretching band from 3268.96 cm –1 in HCl/PVA to 3358.69 cm –1 for BMIMCl/PVA, and 3351.01 cm –1 for EMIMCl/PVA, indicating a reduced hydrogen bonding strength due to the bulky nature of the imidazolium cations. The electrochemical analysis reveals that HCl/PVA exhibits the highest specific capacitance (12.67 F/g) and the lowest equivalent series resistance (7.7 Ω), a phenomenon attributed to the small size and high mobility of protons (H + ), which enhance the efficiency of charge storage and transfer. Conversely, BMIMCl/PVA and EMIMCl/PVA demonstrate lower capacitance and higher resistance as a result of their larger size, which hinders ion mobility and causes steric effects. These findings emphasize the critical role of cation selection in tailoring the electrochemical performance of IL-based solid-state supercapacitors, offering valuable insight for future design of high-performance energy storage systems.
Source: ACS Omega
Authors: Hung Nguyen, Nam-Tien Ha, Tu-Ngoc Pham Thi, Van-Hao Vu, Tung Nguyen-Dang
Institution: VinUniversity
Language: English
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,935
OpenAlex ID: W4414095583