Direct writing polyvinylidene difluoride thin films by intercalation of nano-ZnO

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a preeminent pyrolytic and piezoelectric polymer. It has been widely studied as an ideal material for wearable flexible sensors or low-power electronic equipment. PVDF/ZnO thin films were prepared by direct writing method, which promoted the ordered arrangement of PVDF molecular chains under the action of electric field and thus improved the crystallinity of the β phase. Meanwhile, the effects of intercalation of ZnO nanoparticles on the crystallinity of PVDF thin films were explored. The results show that appropriate addition of nano-ZnO as nucleating agent can induce the crystallinity of the PVDF film obviously. While the additive amount of nanoparticles was 0.02 wt%, the relative β phase content of the PVDF film can reach 88.92%. Under the double action of adding ZnO nanoparticles and electric field assistance, the dielectric constant of the composite film increases from 6.9 (pure PVDF) to 12.4 (0.03 wt% ZnO) at a frequency of 1 kHz. The d₃₃ value of the film without polarization is up to −9.1 pC/N, the output voltage is increased to 351 mV, and the conductivity of the composite film has been improved.     

Electrodeposited nanoporous ZnO films exhibiting enhanced performance in dye-sensitized solar cells

Electrodeposition of nanoporous ZnO films and their applications to dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were investigated in the aim of developing cost-effective alternative synthetic methods and improving the ZnO-based DSSCs performance. ZnO films were grown by cathodic electrodeposition from an aqueous zinc nitrate solution containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) surfactant. PVP concentration had strong effects on the grain sizes and surface morphologies of ZnO films. Nanoporous ZnO film with grain size of 20-40 nm was obtained in the electrolyte containing 4 g/L PVP. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed that nanoporous ZnO films had a hexagonal wurtzite structure. Optical properties of such films were studied and the results indicated that the films had a band gap of 3.3 eV. DSSCs were fabricated from nanoporous ZnO films and the cell performance could be greatly improved with the increase of ZnO film thickness. The highest solar-to-electric energy conversion efficiency of 5.08% was obtained by using the electrodeposited double-layer ZnO films (8 μm thick nanoporous ZnO films on a 200 nm thick compact nanocrystalline ZnO film). The performance of such cell surpassed levels attained in previous studies on ZnO film-based DSSCs and was among the highest for DSSCs containing electrodeposited film components.     

Effect of the origin of ZnO nanoparticles dispersed in polyimide films on their photoluminescence and thermal stability

Polyimide (PI) films containing dispersed ZnO nanoparticles were prepared from both zinc nitrate hexahydrate (designated as Zn(NO₃)₂/PI) and ZnO nanoparticles, 2‐nm average primary size (ZnO/PI). This work shows how the origin of ZnO affects both the photoluminescence and thermal decomposition of the film. The presence of ZnO derived from Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction technique. The fluorescent intensities from Zn(NO₃)₂/PI and ZnO/PI were much higher than that from pure PI films. When the ZnO concentration exceeded a certain saturation level, the emission intensity decreased due to the undesirable aggregation of ZnO. At the same concentration, ZnO/PI exhibited higher emission intensity than Zn(NO₃)₂/PI. All samples prepared under nitrogen emitted higher intensity than their counterparts prepared under argon. The ZnO/PI film was thermally more stable than the Zn(NO₃)₂/PI one. From TEM images of 117.6 mol% ZnO/PI films, the ZnO aggregates, whose average size was 17–90 nm, were well distributed throughout the film but poorly dispersed in nanometer range. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Barrier,rheological, and antimicrobial properties of sustainable nanocomposites based on gellan gum/polyacrylamide/zinc oxide

In this study, we used a solution casting method to prepare gellan gum (G)-based ternary nanocomposite films containing polyacrylamide (P) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. All composites were prepared using the chemical cross-linker N,N-methylenebisacrylamide. The nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Attenuated total reflectance FTIR revealed strong hydrogen bonding interactions among gellan gum, polyacrylamide, and ZnO, which enhanced the physiochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the GPZnO nanocomposites. The addition of ZnO nanoparticles increased the glass transition temperature (T_g: 181.8–196.3°C), thermal stability (T_5%: 87.8–96.5°C), and char yield (23.9–29.1%) of the GP composite films, as well as their the tensile strength (from 33.5 to 43.8 MPa) and ultraviolet (UV) blocking properties (~99.2% protection against UVB [280–320 nm]). ZnO significantly influenced the rheological properties of the GP composite. The prepared GP and GPZnO nanocomposites exhibited shear thinning behavior and their viscosities decreased when there is an increase in shear rate. Storage and loss modulus increased with frequency with the addition of ZnO nanoparticles. The GPZnO films exhibited reduced hydrophilicity, moisture content, and water barrier properties compared with the GP film. The GPZnO nanocomposites exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against six different pathogens. The prepared GPZnO films could be useful in biodegradable packaging applications.     

Solid-state dye-sensitized ZnO solar cells prepared by low-temperature methods

Solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells based on highly porous ZnO films prepared by template-assisted electrodeposition as electron collector, the indoline dye D149 as sensitizer and CuSCN as hole collector have been prepared using three different methods, namely impregnation with saturated CuSCN solution, successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) and electrodeposition, for filling the pores in the ZnO with CuSCN. The highest pore filling and the highest conversion efficiency of 0.46% were achieved with the impregnation method, while SILAR led to a very low pore filling, causing very low photocurrents, and electrodeposition led to short-circuiting between the CuSCN and the conducting substrate of the ZnO sample despite the presence of a compact ZnO bottom layer between the porous ZnO layer and the conducting layer, causing very low open-circuit voltages.     

Electrochromic properties of porous NiO thin film as a counter electrode for NiO/WO3 complementary electrochromic window

Highly porous nickel oxide (NiO) thin films were prepared on ITO glass by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. SEM results show that the as-deposited NiO film is constructed by many interconnected nanoflakes with a thickness of about 20 nm. The electrochromic properties of the NiO film were investigated in a nonaqueous LiClO₄–PC electrolyte by means of optical transmittance, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. The NiO film exhibits a noticeable electrochromic performance with a variation of transmittance up to 38.6% at 550 nm. The CV and EIS measurements reveal that the NiO film has high electrochemical reaction activity and reversibility due to its highly porous structure. The electrochromic (EC) window based on complementary WO₃/NiO structure shows an optical modulation of 83.7% at 550 nm, much higher than that of single WO₃ film (65.5% at 550 nm). The response time of the EC widow is found to be about 1.76 s for coloration and 1.54 s for bleaching, respectively. These advantages such as large optical modulation, fast switch speed and excellent cycle durability make it attractive for a practical application.     

Fabrication and centeracterization of ordered CuIn(1?x)GaxSe2 nanopore films via template-based electrodeposition

Ordered CuIn_(1−x)Ga_xSe₂ (CIGS) nanopore films were prepared by one-step electrodeposition based on porous anodized aluminum oxide templates. The as-grown film shows a highly ordered morphology that reproduces the surface pattern of the substrate. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction pattern show that CIGS nanopore films had ideal chalcopyrite crystallization. Energy dispersive spectroscopy reveals the Cu-Se phases firstly formed in initial stage of growth. Then, indium and gallium were incorporated in the nanopore films in succession. Cu-Se phase is most likely to act as a growth promoter in the growth progress of CIGS nanopore films. Due to the high surface area and porous structure, this kind of CIGS films could have potential application in light-trapping CIGS solar cells and photoelectrochemical water splitting.     

Electrochemical performances of Bi based compound film-coated ZnO as anodic materials of Ni–Zn secondary batteries

Microstructures and electrochemical performances of Bi based compound film-coated ZnO are investigated and compared with those of Ni film-coated ZnO and Bi nanocompound-modified ZnO in order to illuminate the coating effect of Bi based compound film. Bi based compound film is composed of nanoparticles (1–2 nm in diameter) of Bi₆(NO₃)₄(OH)₂O₆, BiO and Bi₂O₃, containing lots of micropores. In comparison with Bi nanocompound-modified ZnO and Ni film-coated ZnO, Bi based compound film-coated ZnO shows higher discharge capacity and more stable cycling performance. The highest average discharge capacity is as high as 535 mAh g⁻¹, and the discharge capacity does not obviously decrease during the cycling tests. Cyclic voltammograms indicates that Bi based compound film can limit transfer of H₂O, OH⁻, and enhance electrochemical activity of ZnO. The improvement of cycling performance is due to: (1) the coating film structure avoids the direct contact between ZnO/Zn with the electrolyte, and suppresses the dissolution of ZnO/Zn; (2) the micropores in the film is beneficial to adequate diffusion of H₂O, OH⁻ and zincates ions, leading to high discharge capacity and good cycling performance; (3) the light weight of the film also has a contribution to high specific discharge capacity.     

Screen printed novel ZnO/MWCNTs nanocomposite thick films

Zinc oxide and multiwall carbon nanotubes (ZnO/MWCNT) nanocomposites thick films were prepared via sol-gel screen printing procedure and followed by sintering at 550 °C. Thus, the prepared films were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), Photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy and Two-probe method. XRD analysis revealed (101) orientation for both ZnO and ZnO/MWCNT thick films with wurtzite structure. SEM studies confirmed the porous nature of ZnO film while ZnO/MWCNT films showed ZnO particles trapped in the porous MWCNT network and free from cracks. Reflectance spectroscopy showed direct transition with decreasing band gap whereas refractive index and absorption index showed appreciable variation within the band gap regime related to the change in crystallite size. FTIR profile approved the Zn–O stretching and presence of carboxylic CDC group. The PL spectrum of ZnO and ZnO/MWCNT thick films shows red shift and exhibits UV, blue and green emissions confirmed from CIE diagram. Raman spectrum shows that Raman phonons are shifted and dominated due to doping of MWCNT in ZnO matrix. Electrical properties were investigated using 2-probe method and showed a reduction in resistance on MWCNT incorporation. The novelty of current-work is the fabrication of ZnO/MWCNT through a low-cost screen printing process for the first time and the results exhibits that the bandgap of the deposited film is decreased, which in turn, play a significant role in enhancement of conductivity and colour emission for fabrication of low cost optoelectronics devices (LEDs) as compared with the pure ZnO film.     

Electrodes modified by electrodeposition of CoTAA complexes as selective oxygen cathodes in a direct methanol fuel cell

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at cobalt tetraazaanulene (CoTAA) modified electrodes was investigated. As a first approach, modified electrodes were prepared by electrodeposition of CoTAA on glassy carbon (GC). The modification of the GC surface was monitored by u.v.–vis. differential reflectance spectroscopy (UVDRS). The recorded spectra (i.e., absorbance as a function of wavelength and time) showed that the electrodeposition of CoTAA at 0.8 V vs Ag|AgCl, that is, at a potential where the TAA ligand is oxidized to TAA⁺, seems to produce a thin polymer film. Starting from these preliminary results, porous rotating disc electrodes (RDEs) were prepared by electrodeposition of CoTAA (0.8 V vs Ag|AgCl, 1 min) on graphite powder embedded in a recast Nafion^® film. The use of a porous RDE allowed comparison of the activity and selectivity of Pt nanoparticles and CoTAA for the ORR under experimental conditions close to those of a fuel cell cathode, that is, at the catalyst|Nafion^® interface. The activity towards the ORR of a porous electrode modified by electrodeposition of CoTAA is not affected when methanol is present in the electrolyte phase, whereas a noticeable decrease in the activity of Pt-based oxygen cathodes was observed under the same conditions. Half-cell life tests showed that CoTAA-modified electrodes and Pt-based electrodes have a comparable stability over a period of 90 min.     

Enhanced visible-light catalytic activity of Au nanoparticles loaded c-axis oriented Bi2VO5.5 porous thin films

Au nanoparticles loaded c-axis oriented Bi₂VO_5.5 (BVO) porous thin films were prepared by using a simple spin-coating technique. The porous structures were formed through the hydrolysis of bismuth nitrate, Bi(NO₃)₃, one of the raw materials for synthesizing the BVO precursor solutions. The optimal photocatalytic rate of the porous thin film is three times more than that of pure BVO thin film. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the Schottky barrier in the intimate interface between Au nanoparticles and BVO grains and the increase of absorption of light caused by surface plasmon resonance effect of gold nanoparticles. The possible degradation mechanism of Au–BVO-Methylene Blue system has been discussed based on the energy band structure and further trapping experiments. This study provides a simple method to prepare bismuth-containing oxide porous thin films without any pore-forming reagents, and the results suggest that the Au nanoparticles loaded BVO thin film is a promising candidate material for water or air treatment.     

P(VDF-HFP)-based micro-porous composite polymer electrolyte prepared by in situ hydrolysis of titanium tetrabutoxide

A micro-porous composite polymer electrolyte (MCPE) was prepared in situ by adding TiO₂ nanoparticles from the hydrolysis of titanium tetrabutoxide to a solution of poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) [P(VDF-HFP)] copolymer. The prepared microporous polymer films (MCPFs) were characterized by scanning electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, FT-IR and electrochemical interface resistance. After the addition of TiO₂ nanoparticles the polarity of CF₂ groups in the polymer chains and the crystallinity of the MCPFs decreased. When the composite polymer film contained 8.5 wt% of TiO₂ nanoparticles the MCPE exhibited excellent electrochemical properties such as high ionic conductivity, up to 2.40 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature.     

Ageing behavior of acrylic polyurethane varnish coating in artificial weathering environments

Polyurethane-based coatings reinforced by ZnO nanoparticles (about 27 nm) were prepared via solution blending. The ZnO/PU films and coats were fabricated by a simple method of solution casting and evaporation. The mechanical properties of the films were investigated by a universal material test, and the abrasion resistance of the prepared coats was evaluated by a pencil-abrasion-resistance tester. It was found that significant improvement of the PU films in Young’s modulus and tensile strength was achieved by incorporating ZnO nanoparticles up to 2.0 wt%, and that the abrasion resistance of the PU coats was greatly enhanced due to the addition of ZnO nanoparticles. Moreover, the antibacterial property test was carried out via the agar dilution method and the result indicated that PU films doped with ZnO nanoparticles showed excellent antibacterial activity, especially for Escherichia coli.     

Electrodeposited Cu–ZnO and Mn–Cu–ZnO nanowire/tube catalysts for higher alcohols from syngas

Cu–ZnO and Mn–Cu–ZnO catalysts have been prepared by electrodeposition and tested for the synthesis of higher alcohols via CO hydrogenation. The catalysts were prepared in the form of nanowires and nanotubes using a nanoporous polycarbonate membrane, which served as a template for the electrodeposition of the precursor metals from an aqueous electrolyte solution. Electrodeposition was carried out using variable amounts of Zn(NO₃)₂, Cu(NO₃)₂, Mn(NO₃)₂ and NH₄NO₃ at different galvanostatic conditions. A fixed bed reactor was used to study the reaction of CO and H₂ to produce alcohols at 270 °C, 10–20 bar, H₂/CO = 2/1, and 10,000–33,000 scc/h g_cat. In addition to methane and CO₂, methanol was the main alcohol product. The addition of manganese to the Cu–ZnO catalyst increased the selectivity toward higher alcohols by reducing methane formation; however, CO₂ selectivity remained high. Maximum ethanol selectivity was 5.5%, measured as carbon efficiency.     

Polypyrrole coatings for corrosion protection of Al alloy2024: influence of electrodeposition methods,solvents, and ZnO nanoparticle concentrations

Since ZnO nanoparticles increase the electrical conductivity of the polypyrrole (PPy) coatings, an investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of ZnO nanoparticles loading on the corrosion protection performance of PPy coatings on AA2024 Al alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution. At first, some measurements were carried out to find the best experimental conditions containing the electrodeposition method, electrosynthesis solvent composition, and ZnO nanoparticles’ concentration for preparing the optimum PPy coating on Al alloy2024. Three different methods of electrodeposition, namely: cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic, and potentiostatic techniques were analyzed. The anti-corrosion performance of the PPy coatings was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization methods. The PPy prepared by potentiostatic method exhibited the best performance against corrosion of Al alloy2024 in 3.5% NaCl solution. Then, different mixtures of H₂O/ethanol were tested as electrosynthesis solvents for preparation of PPy coatings on the alloy by optimized electrodeposition mode (i.e., potentiostatic). In evaluation of the prepared coatings, the pure water was introduced as the optimum solvent in electrodeposition of PPy. The investigation of different ZnO nanoparticles’ concentrations proved that the PPy coating containing 0.025% ZnO nanoparticles was the optimum coating against the corrosion of Al alloy in NaCl solution. Finally, the long-term evaluation of the corrosion protection performance of the coatings revealed that the optimum coating provided suitable protection against corrosion up to 14 days after immersion.

     

Cathodic electrodeposition of self-curable polyepoxide resins based on cardanol

Cathodic electrodeposition (CED) behavior and film properties of coating binders as modified polyepoxide resins based on cardanol, a constituent of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL), have been studied. These coating binders were synthesized by epoxidation of cardanol–formaldehyde novolacs (CNs) with epichlorohydrin and subsequently modified with secondary amine to make them water-thinnable by neutralization with acetic acid, and suitable for CED. Laboratory synthesized coating binders, modified, epoxidized cardanol–formaldehyde novolacs (MECNs), were cathodically electrodeposited on pretreated MS panels to investigate their electrodeposition behavior and film properties of deposited coating binders. Among the nine MECNs prepared by varying molar ratios of cardanol to formaldehyde as well as ECN to DEtOA, only seven MECNs (MECN₁, MECN₂, MECN₃, MECN₆, MECN₇, MECN₈, and MECN₉) were water-soluble and electrodepositable, whereas MECN₄ and MECN₅ were not water soluble, and hence not considered for further studies. These seven MECNs were used for the study of their electrodeposition characteristics, such as electrodeposition yield (ED yield), coulombic yield (CY), dry film thickness (DFT), and properties of their deposited films. The most suitable molar ratio of ECN:DEtOA for the preparation of MECNs was found to be 1:1. The CN prepared by using cardanol and formaldehyde in the molar ratio of 1:0.7 was used for the preparation of ECN₂ and MECN₂ prepared from this was found to be the most suitable in terms of deposition behavior and overall film properties. The film of MECN₂ electrodeposited at constant voltage (100 V) was found to be the best in terms of film properties along with corrosion resistance, as it passed 800-h exposure to salt spray atmosphere. MECN₂ was optimized for its electrodeposition characteristics like ED yield as 3.62 mg/cm², CY as 35.87 mg/C, and DFT as 25.26 μm. Through a wide cure window, the films of MECN₂ were found to be self-curable at an optimum cure schedule of 160°C/30 min. The electrodeposited films of MECNs had good physical, chemical, and corrosion resistance properties, but demonstrated low resistance to xylene, in particular. The study emphasized the electrodeposition behavior and film properties of the prepared MECN resins as binders for CED coating formulations, which were self-curable without using any external crosslinker. The self-curing of the deposited films was achieved via a novel self-curing mechanism, i.e., one molecule chemistry through anionic polymerization. The prepared epoxide resins as MECNs could be cathodically electrodeposited as primer coat for the protection of metallic substrates against corrosion.     

Effect of nano‐TiO2 dispersion on PEO polymer electrolyte property

Polymer electrolyte membranes based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) doped with TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by simple solution cast technique. Mesoporous TiO₂ film was prepared by doctor‐blade method. The modified polymer membranes and the mesoporous films were characterized by SEM, TEM, AFM, ionic conductivity, and J‐V measurements. Dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have been fabricated in which PEO‐polymer electrolyte doped with and without nano‐TiO₂ were sandwiched between porous TiO₂ and counter electrodes. The DSSC with nano‐TiO₂ doped polymer electrolyte shows better performance (1.68%) in comparison with pristine polymer electrolyte (1.07%), which is due to improved ionic conductivity value in polymer electrolyte system by nano‐TiO₂ doping. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Effects of ZnO nanoparticles on the mechanical and antibacterial properties of polyurethane coatings

Polyurethane-based coatings reinforced by ZnO nanoparticles (about 27 nm) were prepared via solution blending. The ZnO/PU films and coats were fabricated by a simple method of solution casting and evaporation. The mechanical properties of the films were investigated by a universal material test, and the abrasion resistance of the prepared coats was evaluated by a pencil-abrasion-resistance tester. It was found that significant improvement of the PU films in Young’s modulus and tensile strength was achieved by incorporating ZnO nanoparticles up to 2.0 wt%, and that the abrasion resistance of the PU coats was greatly enhanced due to the addition of ZnO nanoparticles. Moreover, the antibacterial property test was carried out via the agar dilution method and the result indicated that PU films doped with ZnO nanoparticles showed excellent antibacterial activity, especially for Escherichia coli.     

Gas sensing properties of conducting polymer/Au-loaded ZnO nanoparticle composite materials at room temperature

In this work, a new poly (3-hexylthiophene):1.00 mol% Au-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (P3HT:Au/ZnO NPs) hybrid sensor is developed and systematically studied for ammonia sensing applications. The 1.00 mol% Au/ZnO NPs were synthesized by a one-step flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) process and mixed with P3HT at different mixing ratios (1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 1:2) before drop casting on an Al₂O₃ substrate with interdigitated gold electrodes to form thick film sensors. Particle characterizations by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption analysis, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) showed highly crystalline ZnO nanoparticles (5 to 15 nm) loaded with ultrafine Au nanoparticles (1 to 2 nm). Film characterizations by XRD, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the presence of P3HT/ZnO mixed phases and porous nanoparticle structures in the composite thick film. The gas sensing properties of P3HT:1.00 mol% Au/ZnO NPs composite sensors were studied for reducing and oxidizing gases (NH₃, C₂H₅OH, CO, H₂S, NO₂, and H₂O) at room temperature. It was found that the composite film with 4:1 of P3HT:1.00 mol% Au/ZnO NPs exhibited the best NH₃ sensing performances with high response (approximately 32 to 1,000 ppm of NH₃), fast response time (4.2 s), and high selectivity at room temperature. Plausible mechanisms explaining the enhanced NH₃ response by composite films were discussed.     

Novel photo-crosslinkable polymeric electrolyte system based on poly(ethylene glycol) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate for dye-sensitized solar cell with long-term stability

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) were used as photo-crosslinkable polymer electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). PEG and trifunctional TMPTA formed a crosslinked structure upon light illumination, as confirmed by the solubility test and FTIR spectroscopy. In order to make close contact with the TiO₂ porous film, the polymeric electrolyte was prepared by photo-polymerization after injecting the monomer electrolyte solution into the porous film. The cross-sectional FE-SEM images showed the penetration of the electrolyte into the porous TiO₂ layer. Under AM 1.5 (100 mW/cm²) light irradiation for up to 30 min, a maximum 21% increase in the photo-conversion efficiency (η%) was observed. The electrolyte containing PEG and 20 wt% TMPTA showed a maximum increase in the photo-conversion efficiency from 2.75% to 3.35% with 30 min of light illumination. Also, the DSSCs with the novel crosslinkable PEG/TMPTA based polymer electrolyte showed improved long-term stability in comparison to those with electrolytes containing only PEG.