A basic investigation of anhydrous proton conducting gel electrolytes

The aim of this paper is to summarize recent trends in the studies on nonaqueous proton conducting gel electrolytes. The physical-chemical properties of these systems are described and their relation to the type and concentration of polymer matrix, proton donor as well as the solvent used is discussed. This analysis is performed on the basis of electrochemical (impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry), spectroscopic (NMR, PFC NMR, FT-IR), and thermogravimetric (DSC) experiments. The proton conduction mechanism is postulated and its dependence on the sample composition is discussed. The possibility of application of proton conducting gels in electrochromic devices is presented. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.