High-performance ion gel with tetra-PEG network

Abstract

In this paper, we show a free-standing highly ion-conducting ionic liquid (IL)-polymer electrolyte, Tetra-PEG ion gel, prepared by incorporating imidazolium-based ILs into very much lower concentration (3–6 wt%) of tetra-arm poly(ethylene glycol), Tetra-PEG. The ionic conductivities of the free-standing Tetra-PEG ion gels were nearly equal to those of pure ILs, indicating a realization of liquid-like conductivity in a solid-state material. The Tetra-PEG ion gels showed advanced mechanical properties demonstrated by the results of compression and stretching tests.