Development of Ionic Polymer Membrane for Storage Device and wearable sensor

Abstract

This thesis emphasizes the importance of sustainable materials in energy solutions for wearable sensors. The ionic polymer blends investigated show potential as eco-friendly alternatives for practical energy storage systems. We synthesized three distinct compositions of ionic polymer blends (25/15/60, 30/15/55, and 35/15/60) using solution casting techniques. The thesis introduces organic-based flexible devices, their applications, advantages, and limitations. It includes an overview of the background and motivation for this research, the proposed framework, specific aims, and objectives, as well as the problem statements and thesis structure. newlineAdditionally, the thesis provides a general background and a critical review of research on ionic polymer membranes, focusing on storage devices and piezo resistive sensors. Various materials previously used for developing IPB membranes are studied and discussed, with a major focus on the materials used in the present work (PVDF, PVP, and PVSA) and their properties. The electrical analysis of PVDF/PVP/PVSA polymer membranes was conducted, and fabrication results were obtained using an impedance analyzer and weighing machine. newlineThe thesis also discusses the materials used and the applied fabrication techniques. Different characterization and testing techniques adopted in the proposed work are briefly discussed. The research includes an analysis of storage devices, specifically parallel plate capacitors, using COMSOL software as an FEM tool. Finally, an IPB was designed for wearable sensing. The PVDF/PVP/PVSA-IBS with a 30/15/55 ratio achieved enhanced values of G (945) with bending strain and and#916;R/R (60) with wrist movement. The 30/15/55-IPB demonstrated uniform distribution of PVSA beads (0.14 to 0.33 and#956;m) among all blends, contributing to the enhanced values of G and and#916;R/R compared to existing polymer blend sensors. The PVDF/PVP/PVSA-IPB generated a high electric current (8.2 mA/cm²) in LiCl solution, indicating its potential for fuel cells and battery applications.