Cross-linked Polyacrylamide Film as Gel Polymer Electrolyte for
Rechargeable Hybrid Aqueous Batteries
Zhansaya Mukanova 1 , Zhalgas Kulametov 2 , Almagul Mentbayeva 2 ,
and Zhumabay Bakenov 2
1
Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University,
Astana, Kazakhstan (Email: [email protected])
2
Institute of Batteries, Nazarbayev University, Astana, Kazakhstan
Abstract
Nowadays, rechargeable aqueous lithium-ion batteries (RALB) are attracting an increasing
interest. Main challenges faced in conventional Li-ion batteries research are related to safety
concerns associated with usage of organic electrolytes. Others are high production costs as well
as overall need for enhancement of physical and electrochemical properties. Replacing of
flammable, toxic and expensive organic electrolytes with aqueous ones has several advantages
in ecological and economical point of view. Earlier the system of lithium iron phosphate (LFP)
and Zn metal which has promising results have been reported.* But after numerous cycles on
surface of Zn metal dendrites were formed and water loss from the system negatively affected
cyclability and capacity of RALB. Therefore, this research investigated the use of stable
polyacrylamide gel (PAAG) instead of widely used AGM separator. Composite gel polymer
electrolytes PAAG for RALBs have been prepared by simple ionic polymerization, cross-
linking methods, and absorption of aqueous electrolyte solution. Several compositions with
different concentrations of PAAm were investigated. The batteries were assembled from a
cathode containing LiFePO 4 – lithium intercalation compound, zinc metal foil anode and
electrolyte containing Zn 2+ and Li + ions. Stability and morphology of membranes, electrolyte
uptake, and retention properties were tested. RALBs assembled from gel polymer electrolyte
provided high specific discharge capacity, up to 140 mAh (g LiFePO 4 ) at 0.5 C, and cyclability
of such systems was significantly enhanced compared to RALBs assembled with AGM
separators.
Separator
Zn metal
Stainless steel
LiFePO 4 cathode
Reference
1. Yesibolati, N.; Umirov, N.; Koishybay, A.; Omarova, M.; Kurmanbayeva, I. ; Zhang, Y.; Zhao, Y.;
Bakenov, Z. Electrochim. Acta. 2015, 152, 505-511.