Unlocking High Energy Density and Stable Electric Double Layer Capacitor Derived from Sustainable Biodegradable Polymer Electrolyte Based on Chitosan:Polyvinyl Alcohol: Potassium Thiocyanate:xGlycerol (10≤x≤30)
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Electrochemical double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) deliver rapid charge–discharge and long lifetimes, but boosting energy density without sacrificing safety is still the big challenge. Our new study engineers a biopolymer blend electrolyte—chitosan:poly(vinyl alcohol):KSCN plasticized with glycerol (x = 10–30 wt%)—that couples strong molecular interactions with improved ion transport to unlock ion-dominant conduction, a wide stability window, and robust EDLC performance.
Highlights of our study
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Green, plasticized electrolyte architecture. A CS–PVA host doped with KSCN and plasticized by glycerol shows clear hydrogen-bonding/complexation signatures (e.g., SCN– band shift near ~2037→~2053 cm⁻¹) and reduced ion-migration resistance—foundational for higher K⁺ mobility.
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Dielectric advantage that favors storage. Across frequency, ε′ > ε″, and tan δ peaks shift to higher frequencies with more glycerol—fingerprints of enhanced segmental dynamics and faster ion transport.
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Electrochemical metrics that matter. t₍ion₎ = 0.952 (ion-dominant conduction) and an electrochemical stability window up to 2.85 V support wide-window EDLC operation.
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Device-level performance confirmed. Nearly rectangular CVs and triangular GCDs (non-Faradaic storage) yield ~80 F g⁻¹ specific capacitance with ~11.26 Wh kg⁻¹ energy and ~3176 W kg⁻¹ power; ESR is low (≈30–40 Ω).
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Cycle stability. The cell sustains efficient cycling with stable capacitance and low internal resistance over extended testing, consistent with the electrolyte’s ion-led transport and wide safe window.
Why it matters
Biopolymer electrolytes advance safety, sustainability, and manufacturability. By tuning the dielectric environment and segmental mobility via a green plasticizer, this work points to a practical route for narrowing the energy gap to batteries while preserving supercapacitor-class power—relevant for wearables, EV auxiliary systems, and grid services.
Paper details
Title: Unlocking High Energy Density and Stable EDLC Derived from Sustainable Biodegradable Polymer Electrolyte Based on Chitosan:Polyvinyl Alcohol: Potassium Thiocyanate:xGlycerol (10 ≤ x ≤ 30)
Journal: Results in Engineering (Accepted: 21 Aug 2025) — DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.106897.
Authors & Affiliations:
Shujahadeen B. Aziz*, Dara M. Aziz, Peshawa O. Hama, Rebar T. Abdulwahid, Niyaz M. Sadiq, Sameerah I. Al-Saeedi, Mohd F. Z. Kadir, Sambasivam Sangaraju*, Jacky Yong, H. J. Woo — University of Sulaimani; University of Raparin; Sulaimani Polytechnic University; Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University; Universiti Malaya (and UMCiL); United Arab Emirates University. (Corresponding: shujahadeenaziz@gmail.com
I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at University of Raparin, Kurdistan, Iraq. I earned my BSc in Chemistry from the University of Sulaimani in 2006, followed by an MSc in Chemistry from Jamia Hamdard University in New Delhi, India, in 2013. I completed my PhD in Organic Synthesis, with a focus on biological activity and computational chemistry, at the University of Salahaddin-Erbil in Kurdistan, Iraq. My research expertise lies in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, polymers, Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs), and Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), particularly in the micro- and nano-scales. I lead an active research group at the University of Raparin, where I supervise Master's and PhD students working on innovative projects in materials chemistry, sustainable energy, and medicinal applications. I have published several papers in reputable journals indexed by prominent publishers such as Springer Nature, Elsevier, and Wiley, with a focus on green energy and the medicinal applications of novel materials. My research aims to bridge fundamental chemistry with practical, real-world solutions, particularly in the development of environmentally friendly technologies and therapeutic agents.
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