Sulfocontaining polyelectrolyte cryogels as metamaterials for energy storage devices

Abstract

A set of ionic cryogels based on the biocompatible zwitterionic polyelectrolyte N-(3-sulfopropyl)-N-(methacryloxyethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium betaine and a second comonomer of a different nature (from the class of acrylates, acetates or sulfonic acids) is successfully synthesized. The variation of the nature of the comonomer used allows a material to be obtained with controlled pore sizes and hierarchical porosity as proved by SEM, optical microscopy and N₂ adsorption–desorption experiments. The compositions of cryogels with good adhesive properties to the electrode, as well as effective ion exchange during an electrochemical reaction inside the cryogels, which is shown by reversible copper recharge processes after doping a cryogel with copper ions, are determined. Thus, cryogels that meet the primary requirements for a material for use as polymer electrolytes for batteries are synthesized and characterized. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.