Cellulose/acrylate membranes for flexible lithium batteries electrolytes: Balancing improved interfacial integrity and ionic conductivity

Methacrylic-based thermo-set gel–polymer electrolytes obtained by the easy and reliable photo-polymerisation process and mechanically reinforced by a cellulose handsheet (paper) for flexible lithium batteries application are here presented. Adhesion between cellulose and polymer is improved by ‘‘in situ’’ grafting supported by benzophenone; the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte is enhanced by the use of specifically designed handsheets containing alumina. Thermal and mechanical properties of the new membranes are characterised and the effect of the different composition of the reinforcement on the ionic conductivity of the membranes is discussed.