Egg Whitea\nPolymer Gel Electrolyte with Exceptionally\nHigh Ionic Conductivity

Abstract

A considerable amount of research is currently focusing\non mitigating\nthe adverse impact of current energy storing electrolytes on both\nenvironment and human health, targeting the development of alternative,\nbiologically friendly materials. In this regard, we propose a mechanically\nfree-standing electrolyte derived simply from hen egg white. The present\nstudy reveals that the conductivity of the temperature-induced gel-like,\nmechanically stable structure of this biological material is truly\nremarkable, varying between 1 and 10 mS/cm at room temperature. Our\nconductivity and nuclear magnetic resonance results demonstrate that\na solid ionic conductor, with a conductivity significantly higher\nthan those displayed by many inorganic and organic electrolytes, can\nbe attained from a cheap, green, biological source which could serve\nas a landmark template for future bioinspired electronics.