Biodegradable hybrid polymer matrix based on starch for gel polymer electrolytes – exploring alternatives for sustainable sodium-ion batteries

Gabryelczyk, Agnieszka; Smogór, Hilary; Swiderska-Mocek, Agnieszka

Biodegradable hybrid polymer matrix based on starch for gel polymer electrolytes – exploring alternatives for sustainable sodium-ion batteries

Abstract

Poly(vinyl alcohol) and starch are deemed safe for the environment, and, as such, they might reduce the environmental impact of battery materials compared to conventional polymers derived from fossil fuels. A set of gel polymer electrolytes was synthesized to check their compatibility with materials for sodium-based batteries. The polymer matrix amounted to 12 % of the polymer mass, with starch content in the matrix from 1 to 95 wt%. The obtained electrolytes demonstrated high ionic conductivities ranging from 3.56 (50:50_S:PVA) to 8.97 mS cm–1 (95:5_S:PVA) at 25°C, with activation energies of the overall ion conduction process below 25 kJ mol–1. The starch content in electrolytes affected their viscosity, morphology, and rigidity. From the perspective of electrochemical properties and operating characteristics, the optimal electrolyte was 10:90_S:PVA. The presented research also ventures into the subject of battery materials sustainability. We performed a preliminary, exploratory study on the gel polymer electrolyte degradation in soil upon, e.g., an accidental penetration into the environment. We proposed three tests to assess the potential biodegradability of polymer matrix: soil burial, phytotoxicity to germinating seeds, and CO2 evolution. It is a step in the direction of creating electrolytes from easily recyclable and less dangerous components.

Keywords

biodegradability gel polymer electrolyte hybrid polymer matrix starch sodium-ion battery

Citation

A. Gabryelczyk, H. Smogór, A. Swiderska-Mocek, Biodegradable hybrid polymer matrix based on starch for gel polymer electrolytes – exploring alternatives for sustainable sodium-ion batteries, J. Power Sources 663 (2026) 238872. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.238872