(133e) Photo-Crosslinkable Cellulose-Based Hydrogels and Their Applications in Energy Storage Materials

Cellulose, renowned for its eco-friendly properties, finds application across a wide spectrum of industries due to its versatility and functional capabilities. From packaging materials to biomedical implants, cellulose serves as a foundational material with diverse applications. In our research, we have developed a chemically modified cellulose capable of self-supporting rigid composite formation via radical crosslinking. Moreover, this functionalized cellulose can be integrated with UV-curable resins, allowing for high mass loading and the formation of transparent composites with outstanding mechanical and optical properties. By incorporating functional groups through radical co-crosslinking with various chemicals, the characteristics of cellulose can be finely tuned, enabling its utilization in diverse applications. Herein, we particularly present the utilization of our chemically modified cellulose in energy storage materials, specifically cellulose-based gel polymer electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries. Notably, our cellulose material exhibits rapid curing properties, enabling the fast fabrication of cellulose-based gel polymer composite electrolytes within minutes under UV irradiation. By acting as a sturdy backbone, cellulose enhances the mechanical properties of the gel polymer electrolyte, ensuring structural integrity and longevity. Furthermore, the incorporation of cation-conductive functional groups not only boosts ionic conductivity but also enhances electrochemical performance, facilitating efficient lithium-ion transport within the battery system. The electrolytes exhibit inherent resistance to dendrite formation, ensuring the durability and consistency of battery performance over prolonged cycling tests. This study highlights the promising potential of photocurable cellulose-based materials in advancing the development of high-performance and environmentally sustainable building blocks for various industries.