Chitin and chitin-cellulose composite hydrogels prepared by ionic liquid-based process as the novel electrolytes for electrochemical capacitors

Abstract This paper reports on the preparation and electrochemical performance of chitin- chitin-cellulose-based hydrogel electrolytes. The materials were prepared by a casting solution technique using ionic liquid-based solvents. method chitin dissolution in liquid with assistance dimethyl sulfoxide co-solvent was investigated. obtained membranes soaked 1-M lithium sulfate aqueous solution. preliminarily characterized terms structural physicochemical properties. Further, most promising biopolymer assembled activated carbon cloth electrodes symmetric capacitor cells. performances these devices studied 2-electrode system commonly known techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge, impedance spectroscopy. operated at maximum voltage 0.8 V. All investigated have shown high efficiency specific capacitance, power density, cyclability. capacitors exhibited capacitance values range 92–98 F g ?1 , excellent retention (ca. 97–98%) after 20,000 charge discharge cycles. Taking into account above information eco-friendly nature biopolymer, it appears that electrolytes can be components for green capacitors.