Gamma radiation-induced crosslinking of Ca2+ loaded poly(acrylic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate networks for polymer gel electrolytes

Abstract

Gel electrolytes based on poly(acrylic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate (PAA-PEGDA-Ca2+) loaded with Ca2+ ions were successfully prepared using gamma irradiation. The use of radiation provides benefits, such as solventless preparation without byproducts. The obtained gel fraction, porosity, and swelling ratio were in the range of 60–90%, 11–60%, and 4–12 g/g, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful crosslinking between PAA and PEGDA. Crystallinity remained unaffected by the incorporation of Ca2+ ions. The thermal decomposition of the gels started at 200°C. The morphology was reported to have a spherical shape. 0.36–0.74 wt.% of Ca2+ was uniformly distributed on the gel electrolyte surface. In the presence of Ca2+ ions, the ionic conductivity of the gels improved by ∼2 times, whereas compressive strength slightly dropped to the range of 6–12 MPa.Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract

Keywords

• Gamma radiation induced crosslinking
• Poly(acrylic acid)
• Poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate
• Gel polymer electrolyte