Gel polymer electrolyte based on polyethylene glycol composite lignocellulose matrix with higher comprehensive performances

[Display omitted] •The novel GPE based on lignocellulose and polyethylene glycol is firstly explored.•The GPE preparation is extremely simple, low cost and easy application in LIBs.•The GPE possesses more than 3 times enhanced in tensile strength.•The GPE can limit the movement of PF6− and promote Li+.•The GPE possesses the outstanding comprehensive performances. A novel gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) based on polyethylene glycol (PEG) composite lignocellulose (LC) with compact structure for application in lithium ion batteries (LIBs) is prepared. The GPE membrane dramatically enhances mechanical properties, and displays as high as 3–4 times than that of pure LC when adopting 30% PEG-1000. Meanwhile, the increased liquid electrolyte uptake is obtained (267%), and caused high ionic conductivity (3.22mScm−1) at room temperature. Moreover, the lithium ion transference number is as high as 0.81, much higher than most of reported separators, and shows good thermal and electrochemical stability. The rate and cycling performances further confirm that the GPE a very promising candidate for LIBs.