Augmented Thermal Resilience in Porous Cellulose Derivative Films: The Impact of Glucose Post-phase Separation

This study investigates the physicochemical transformations induced by the addition of glucose to cellulose derivatives films. The Gurley permeability tests, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were employed to explore these changes in depth. The addition of glucose significantly altered the pore structure and thermal properties of the cellulose derivatives films, leading to an increase in pore size and alteration in the thermal stability of the films. Gurley permeability tests showed a dramatic increase in air permeability following phase separation, suggesting an enhancement in ionic conductivity crucial for battery performance. SEM analysis confirmed the formation of larger and more regularly arranged pores as glucose content increased, indicating a significant increase in the free volume within the polymer matrix due to the stereochemistry of glucose. FT-IR analysis revealed shifts in absorption peaks post-glucose addition, suggesting changes in the bond strength of functional groups. These spectral shifts were particularly pronounced in membranes with higher glucose content, indicating alterations in chemical interactions and polymer structure. TGA and DTG analyses demonstrated that the addition of glucose and subsequent phase separation processes improved the thermal stability of the membranes despite higher porosity, which typically lowers thermal stability.