Invitation: MS Thesis Defense of Aneisa Jangbahadur

Hello ME Community,
You are invited to join the Masters Thesis Defense of Aneisa Jangbahadur, on Monday, April 13, beginning at 12:00noon.  The defense will be presented in person in the Engineering Building room 210-I. (the Mechanical Engineering Conference room)

Advisor: Dr. Deepa Madan

Title: Electrochemical Behavior of PVA-PAA-CMC Electrolyte in Alkaline and Acidic Mediums For Zn-MnO2 Rechargeable Battery

Abstract: This study investigates PVA-PAA-CMC electrolytes for Zn-MnO2 batteries in alkaline (KOH) and mildly acidic (ZnSO4) media. The PVA-PAA ratio was fixed at 1:0.1, while the effects of CMC, electrolyte thickness (150, 300, 450 µm), and solution molarity on ionic conductivity (IC) were evaluated. An optimal PVA-PAA-CMC composition of 1:0.1:0.05 and a thickness range of 300-450 µm balanced conductivity and structural integrity. Thinner membranes exhibited lower overall ionic conductivity and mechanical failure under acidic conditions. In KOH systems, the 5 M concentration yielded the highest IC of 149.55 mS/cm, outperforming 2 M and 7 M. In ZnSO4 systems, 0.5 M electrolyte showed structural degradation, while 1 M required extended swelling for stability but exhibited low conductivity. Electrochemical characterization (EIS, LSV, CV) confirmed ion transport, defined stability windows, and reversible redox behavior. Overall, PVA-PAA-CMC electrolytes are promising for Zn-MnO2 batteries in alkaline media, while performance in acidic media is limited by poor ion mobility.