Electrical, structural, and thermal studies on a new natural gum-based solid polymer electrolyte using rosin gum

Solid polymer electrolytes are given great importance as they can provide significant potential in building electrochemical devices including batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. This study prepared and optimized a blend of rosin gum and cellulose acetate to which LiNO₃ was added to prepare lithium ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte. A maximum ionic conductivity of 6.21×10⁻⁵ Scm⁻¹ was attained. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the synthesized polymer electrolytes indicated that the films possess an amorphous structure and indicate the complete dissolution of salt. The analysis of the blend polymer doped with the salt using FTIR spectroscopy provided a comprehensive understanding of the detailed interaction between the salt and the blend system. The thermogravimetry study demonstrated that electrolyte membrane was stable up to 205 °C. The electrochemical stability of the produced electrolyte was investigated using LSV analysis which showed that the electrolyte was stable up to 2.6 V. The calculation of transference numbers verified that ions are the main charge carriers.