Gel-Based Electrolytes for Solid-State Electrochemical Devices

Dear Colleagues,

Electrolytes are a key element for the manufacturing of different kinds of electrochemical devices, such as dye-sensitized solar cells, energy-storage devices (supercapacitors, batteries, etc.), electrochromic devices, etc. In this context, there is a growing interest towards the development of large-area, flexible, low-cost, and safe electrochemical devices. For these reasons, research is moving towards full solid-state electrochemical devices based on polymeric electrolytes. Gel-based materials represent an interesting solution for the development of solid-state devices thanks to the perfect combination of chemical and physical properties. Indeed, gels show flexibility, mechanical robustness and no safety issues that could be related to liquid electrolytes. At the same time, thanks to the gel-like structure of this kind of electrolyte, good ionic conductivity at room temperature can be obtained.

Toward this purpose, two types of approaches are usually employed. Hybrid systems can be obtained by physically incorporating salts and solvents into a polymer matrix, or a chemical approach can be pursued to fix ionizable groups directly on the polymer chains. Both approaches present interesting prospects for the development of this research field.

This Special Issue is intended to cover the latest progress in the field of gel-based electrolytes for electrochemical devices. In particular, the Special Issue aims to gain insights into the development of new materials and production techniques as well as their technological applications.

Dr. Carmela Tania Prontera
Dr. Alexander Santiago Sánchez
Dr. Roberto Giannuzzi
Guest Editors

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