Xanthan and κ-carrageenan based alkaline hydrogels as electrolytes for Al/air batteries. (10th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Palma, T.M.; Migliardini, F.; Caputo, D.; Corbo, P.
• Is Part Of: Carbohydrate polymers. Volume 157(2017)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 127
• Publication Date: 2017-02-10
• Subjects: Xanthan -- κ-Carrageenan -- Alkaline hydrogels -- Gel polymer electrolytes -- Al/air batteries; Polysaccharides -- Periodicals; Polysaccharides -- Periodicals; Polysaccharides -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 547.78
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.09.076
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-8617

Abstract

Highlights: Xanthan and κ-carrageenan show gelling properties for alkaline hydrogels manufacture. Hydrogel electrolytes show high ionic conductivities values in Al/air batteries. κ-Carrageenan hydrogel delivers the highest energy density (33 m Wh/cm 2 ). Electrolyte morphology differences are evidenced by SEM analysis. Abstract: Xanthan and κ-carrageenan were used to prepare alkaline hydrogels to be used as electrolytes in aluminium air primary batteries. Two pasty gels were obtained starting from xanthan and KOH solutions (1 M and 8 M), while only the 8 M KOH solution permitted the formation of a stable, elastic and gumminess hydrogel with κ-carrageenan. Discharge tests, performed on three Al/air cells assembled with Al anodes, electrolyte gels and Pt based cathodes, evidenced that all hydrogels exhibited appreciable properties of Al ion conductivities, according to the following performance order: xanthan with KOH 1 M < xanthan with KOH 8 M < κ-carrageenan KOH 8 M. Characterization measurements (XRD, Ionic conductivity by EIS, SEM-EDS) were effected on hydrogels and galvanic cells to explain the behaviour differences detected between the hydrogels.