An insight into the suitability of magnesium ion-conducting biodegradable methyl cellulose solid polymer electrolyte film in energy storage devices

Biodegradable solid polymer electrolyte films based on methyl cellulose and magnesium acetate tetrahydrate [Mg(CH 3 COO) 2 .4H 2 O] are prepared using the conventional solution casting technique. Structural analysis of the electrolyte films confirmed the complexation of salt with the polymer matrix. The incorporation of salt into the polymer matrix resulted in the enhancement of the amorphousness of the matrix. The thermal properties of the electrolyte film are analyzed with the help of DSC and TGA thermograms. Impedance analysis of the films indicates the enhancement of the electrical conductivity of the system. The maximum room temperature ionic conductivity (2.61 × 10 −5 S/cm) was observed for the 25wt% salt-doped sample. The highest conducting electrolyte system has an Electrochemical Stability Window (ESW) of 3.47 V. In the current work, a primary battery was assembled using the highest conducting polymer electrolyte system, and its open-circuit potential and discharge characteristics were also investigated. Graphical abstract