Cross-Linked PEG Networks Shape Gel Electrolyte Conductivity

The ionic conductivity of gel polymer electrolytes based on a tetrafunctional cross-linked polyethylene glycol network is dependent on network content and cross-linking density, according to research published on 06 November 2026 in the journal Ionics. Their research investigates the preparation and properties of these cross-linked polymer electrolytes.

To synthesize the gel polymer electrolytes based on the tetrafunctional cross-linked polyethylene glycol network, the researchers carried out thermal thiol-yne click reactions. These chemical reactions were conducted between pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate) and α, ω-dipropiolate-terminated polyethylene glycols. The thermal thiol-yne click reactions were carried out in propylene carbonate containing lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide to obtain the cross-linked gel polymer electrolytes.

The six polymer gel electrolytes were prepared with different polyethylene glycol network content and cross-linking density. In their experimental design, the researchers defined cross-linking density as the distance between cross-linking points.

When analyzing the electrical properties of the prepared materials, the researchers observed that ionic conductivity was dependent on the content of the polyethylene glycol network and the cross-linking density.

The results of the Raman spectroscopy suggested coordination of lithium ions with the polyethylene glycol chains of the network. According to the researchers, this coordination of lithium ions with the polyethylene glycol chains is considered to be a reason for the observed conductivity decrease in the electrolytes.

Subject of Research: Synthesis and ionic conductivity properties of tetrafunctional cross-linked PEG gel polymer electrolytes

Article Title: Preparation and properties of gel polymer electrolytes based on tetrafunctional cross-linked PEG network

Article References: Enoki, T., Kagami, R., Uno, T., Sasaki, N., Imanishi, N., & Kubo, M. (2026). Preparation and properties of gel polymer electrolytes based on tetrafunctional cross-linked PEG network. Ionics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11581-026-07627-4

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1007/s11581-026-07627-4

Keywords: gel polymer electrolytes, polyethylene glycol, ionic conductivity, cross-linking density, thiol-yne click reaction, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, Raman spectroscopy, polymer networks, energy storage, material science, Preparation, properties