To improve the interfacial compatibility of cellulose-based gel polymer electrolytes: A cellulose/PEGDA double network-based gel membrane designed for lithium ion batteries

Cellulose has been adopted to prepare gel poly electrolytes (GPEs) for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The abundant hydroxyl groups of the cellulose backbones endow GPEs with high ionic conductivities but simultaneously result in poor interfacial resistances. To overcome the above conflict derived from the active hydroxyl groups, a crosslinked cellulose network and a UV-cured PEGDA network are combined to fabricate a double network-based GPE via a green two-step method. On one hand, the as-designed GPE exhibits high electrochemical performances. On the other hand, relying on the strong formation of the hydrogen bonds between the two polymer networks, the interfacial resistance on the GPE-electrode interface turns out to be greatly reduced. Significantly, owing to the enhanced interfacial compatibility, the coin battery assembled with the presented GPE shows favorable cycling performance and rate capability. Moreover, the thermal stability and the mechanical strength of the GPE are improved, indicating a promising practical application for high performance and eco-friendly LIBs.