Optimizing Electrochemical Performance of Biopolymer Electrolytes: Enhancing Ion Transport in CS: MC-Based Polymer Electrolytes Through Glycerol Plasticization and TiO2 Nanocomposite Reinforcement

Abstract
Polymer electrolytes are vital for modern energy storage systems due to their flexibility, safety, and ionic conductivity. Biopolymer-based systems like methylcellulose (MC) and chitosan offer eco-friendly alternatives but often suffer from low conductivity and limited mechanical strength. This study aims to enhance the ionic transport properties of MC-based electrolytes by incorporating glycerol as a plasticizer in varying concentrations (9–45 wt.%). Polymer films were fabricated via solution casting using fixed amounts of chitosan, MC, sorbitol, KNO3, and TiO2 nanoparticles, with glycerol as the sole variable. Structural and molecular characterizations were conducted using XRD and FTIR, while ionic conductivity was measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results revealed a significant drop in bulk resistance from 1.68 MΩ at 9 wt.% glycerol to 492 Ω at 45 wt.%, corresponding to a dramatic increase in ionic conductivity from 0.001 to 9.769 μS/cm – nearly a 10,000-fold improvement. This enhancement is attributed to increased polymer chain mobility and reduced crystallinity, confirming glycerol’s role as an effective plasticizer. The findings underscore the potential of glycerol-modified biopolymer electrolytes in advancing flexible, safe, and high-performance materials for solid-state battery applications.

Author
Ibrahim Nazem Qader

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/25740881.2025.2594581

ISSN
25740881

Publish Date: 27-Nov-2025