abstract
This study describes the results of the characterization of polymer electrolytes using gelatin matrix doped with europium triflate and/or different ionic liquids. Samples of solvent-free electrolytes were prepared and characterized by ionic conductivity measurements, thermal analysis, electrochemical stability, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Electrolyte samples are thermally stable up to approximately 220 degrees C. All the materials synthesized are totally amorphous. The room temperature conductivity maximum of this electrolyte system is based on ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, (C(2)mim)(OAc) (1.18 x 10(-4) S cm(-1) at 30 degrees C). The electrochemical stability domain of all samples is about 2.0 V versus Li/Li+. This new series of materials represents a promising alternative in polymer electrolytes research field. The preliminary studies carried out with electrochromic devices (ECDs) incorporating optimized compositions have confirmed that these materials may perform as satisfactory multifunctional component layers in the field of "smart windows". This new materials, will open a land of promising applications in many areas: optics, energy, medicine for example as membranes and separation devices, ECD-based devices, sensors, etc. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
keywords
ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES; CONDUCTIVITY; ELECTRODES; GRAPHITE; TRIFLATE; SALTS
subject category
Materials Science; Optics
authors
Leones, R; Sentanin, F; Rodrigues, LC; Ferreira, RAS; Marrucho, IM; Esperanca, JMSS; Pawlicka, A; Carlos, LD; Silva, MM
our authors
Isabel Maria Delgado Jana Marrucho Ferreira
Full professor
Luís Carlos
Full professor
Maria Rute de Amorim e Sá Ferreira André
Full professoracknowledgements
The authors are pleased to acknowledge the financial support provided by the University of Minho and the Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (Contracts Project noF-COMP-01-0124-FEDER-022716 (refo FCT PEst-C/QUI/UI0686/2011) FEDER-COMPETE, FCT-Portugal, PEst-OE/EQB/LA0004/2011, PTDC/CTM-NAN/121274/2010 and SFRH/BD/38616/2007) for laboratory equipment and research staff. The authors are also indebted to CNPq, FAPESP and CAPES, for the financial support given to this research.