Mechanically robust and highly electrochemical performance of polyethylene oxide gel polymer electrolyte

Abstract Synthesizing high‐performance of gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) with simple methods and common materials has long been a crucial concern for lithium‐ion batteries. Here, the poor mechanical properties of polyethylene oxide (PEO) based GPEs were overcome by introducing strong hydrogen bond between PEO and polyacrylic acid (PAA). Easy‐available PEO/PAA membranes were prepared though hot processing approach without use of organic solvent during all processes. The mechanical properties and crystalline of dry composites could be tuned by the addition content of PAA. After quick absorbing electrolyte in 30 min, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the GPEs composites are ranged from 0.07 to 0.63 MPa, and 525% to 722%. Moreover, the lithium‐ion conductivity and transference number with 30 wt% addition of PAA reach up to 1.66 and 0.58 mS/cm, respectively. After 500 cycling at 0.5 C, the discharge specific capacity and the capacity retention rate are still up to 134.1 mAh/g and 88.7%, respectively. This research proves the great possibility of applying environmentally friendly method, low cost, and high electrochemical performances of PEO/PAA based GPEs in the lithium batteries.