Nanoscale microfibrillated cellulose reinforced polymer electrolytees for sustainable energy devices

The replacement of the standardly used liquid electrolyte, subject to evaporation in real applications, with polymer electrolytes, that can ensure good performance and especially prolonged durability, in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and Li-ion batteries is a stimulating challenge. Free radical photo-polymerisation (UV-curing) is a promising approach for the production of thermo-set polymer coatings, inks adhesives and membranes where the surface /volume ratio is high. It takes place at room temperature under UV light and, therefore, is an easy, low energy consuming, reliable and rapid process. Methacrylic-based thermo-set polymer membranes prepared by UV curing were already proposed as solid or quasi solid polymer electrolytes for lithium batteries and DSSCs applications. Aiming to assemble high performing energy devices, the production of composite membranes with improved mechanal properties, flexibility and long time performances has to be taken in consideration. Nanoscale-microfibrillated cellulose particles (MFC), first studied by Herrick et al and Tubark et al. are easily available and biodegradable; they show stiffness, impressive mechanical properties and reinforcing capability, low weight and, furthermore, their preparation process is easy, low cost and does not involve chemical reactions. For all these reasons nanoscale MFC have already been used in a wide variety of applications such as rheology modifier in food, paints, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products and have the potential to significantly reinforce polymers at low filler loadings and serve as promising candidates for bio-composite production. Considering the interesting properties of MFC and the potentials of free radical photo-polymerisation, a UV cured MFC-polymer composite membrane could surely result highly promising. In this scenario, the present work illustrates the possibility of using microfibrillated cellulose particles as a reinforcement for composite methacrylic-based thermo-set polymer membranes prepared by UV curing to be used as solid or quasi solid polymer electrolytes for applications in energy production and storage devices.The use of such a filler results extremely interesting giving the possibility to produce high performing, safe and extremely flexible electrolytes for Li-ion batteries and dye sensitized solar cells.