A simple low-cost method to prepare gel electrolytes incorporating graphene oxide with increased ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability

It has been reported that the existence of graphene oxide (GO) provides a fast-conducting pathway, promoting ionic conductivity in solid polymer electrolytes. However, the preparation of gel polymer electrolytes with GO has been less discussed. In addition, gel polymer electrolytes are usually prepared by adding polymers to organic solvent-based electrolyte solutions. In this study, we propose a facile method for preparing composite gel polymer electrolytes using gelators in low molecular weight (exhibited the liquid state) poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based electrolytes. Mixing GO in PEG-based electrolytes results in precipitation due to significant aggregation of GO. However, PEG/GO composite gel electrolytes are obtained with an inexpensive organogelator, 1,3:2,4-dibenzylidene-D-sorbitol (DBS). The DBS gels entrap the GO and prevent its aggregation. The prepared composite gel electrolytes with GO show higher ionic conductivity and a wider electrochemical stability window, indicating that these electrolytes would be suitable for electrochemical devices.