Innovative process for obtaining multiple Polymer Ionic Liquid (PILs) gels electrolytes from renewable source

The present invention describes an innovative process for obtaining multiple Polymer Ionic Liquid (PILs) gels electrolytes from renewable source.

Technology Overview

The process consists of a first step of polymer synthesis followed by a two-step gelation process that allows the production of Polysaccharide Ionic Liquids (PSILs) gel electrolyte.

The polymer synthesis step involves the use of renewable source’s polysaccharides that are reacted with a chlorination agent to produce the polysaccharide derivative. This material acts as an intermediate compound that is reacted with adequate ionic liquid precursor giving rise to PSILs.

The gelation of PSILs requires a two-step process: the dissolution and the coagulation. For the dissolution step the presence of a solvent system containing at least a ionic liquid with an organic solvent is necessary. The second step requires the use of a coagulation agent such as water to obtain the desired gel.

The described process allows the production of polymeric compounds that present a gel-like behavior at temperatures below 50 ºC, and have conductivities in the range of 10^-2 siemens/cm at or near ambient temperature.

Taking advantage of the high compatibility between PSILs and ILs, the unique PSILs/ILs gel are able to be used as tailor-made polymer electrolytes that meets the renewable source polymer’s properties and the conductivity of ionic liquids.

Stage of Development

TRL4 – Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment

Intellectual Property 

• Patent granted in Portugal (PT110572).

NOVA Inventors

Marta Cançado Corvo

Tiago Gil da Silva Paiva

Susete Brazão Fernandes

Pedro Marques Almeida

Maria Helena Godinho