Iodopropyl-branched polysiloxane gel electrolytes with improved ionic conductivity upon cross-linking

We here report the implementation of poly[(3-N-methylimidazoliumpropyl) methylsiloxane-co-dimethylsiloxane]iodides as suitable polymeric hosts for a novel class of in situ cross-linkable iodine/iodide-based gel-electrolytes for dye-sensitized solar cells. The polymers are first partially quaternized and then subjected to a thermal cross-linking which allows the formation of a 3D polymeric network which is accompanied by a dramatic enhancement of the ionic conductivity.