A novel gel polymer electrolyte based on Polymethylmethacrylate and Copper Trifluoromethanesulfonate

Gel polymer electrolytes which have attracted a great attention for many electrochemical devices have been earlier considered with lithium salts. But, today, the problems of lithium in applications have diverted some research activities toward non lithium salts. In this study, a gel polymer electrolyte consisting with Polymethylmethacrylate, Copper Trifluoromethanesulfonate, Ethylene Carbonate and Propylene Carbonate was investigated for its electrochemical properties. It is a well known fact that Copper is lesser reactive than lithium and so environmental friendly. It is also easier to handle and store. The composition, 22.5% Polymethylmethacrylate/17.5% Copper Trifluoromethanesulfonate/30% Ethylene Carbonate/30% Propylene Carbonate (by weight) showed a room temperature conductivity of 2.34 × 10−3 S cm−1. This value clearly proves that the system is quite suitable for ambient temperature applications. The sample was purely an ionic conductor having more contribution from anions (t = 0.82). Ionic nature further qualifies the sample for electrochemical applications. An electrochemical stability window up to 1.5 V was possible and it was seen that Cu plating and stripping process takes place on Cu electrodes though not on stainless steel electrodes.