Lignin–Chitosan Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Stable Zn Electrodeposition

Electrochemical energy storage technologies offer means to transition toward a decarbonized society and carbon neutrality by 2050. Compared conventional lithium-ion batteries, aqueous zinc-ion chemistries do not require scarce materials or toxic flammable organic-based electrolytes function, making them favorable contenders in the scenario of intensifying climate change supply chain crisis. However, environmentally benign bio-based are needed substitute fossil-based battery materials. Accordingly, this work taps into possibilities lignin together with chitosan form gel polymer (GPEs) for chemistries. A simple fabrication process enabling free-standing sodium lignosulfonate–chitosan micellar lignosulfonate–kraft lignin–chitosan GPEs diameters exceeding 80 mm is developed. The combine tensile strength ductility, reaching Young’s moduli 55 ± 4 940 63 MPa elongations at break 14.1 0.2 43.9 21.1%. Competitive ionic conductivities ranging from 3.8 18.6 mS cm–1 electrochemical stability windows up +2.2 V vs Zn2+/Zn were observed. Given improved interfacial adhesion metallic Zn promoted anionic groups lignosulfonate, stable cycling anode obtained. As result, can operate 5000 μA cm–2 no short-circuit Coulombic efficiencies above 99.7%, outperforming separator–liquid electrolyte configurations such as glass microfiber separator soaked 2 M ZnSO4 electrolyte, which short-circuits after 100 cm–2. This demonstrates potential underutilized biorefinery side-streams marine waste field, opening new alternatives sustainable landscape beyond LIBs.