This study first investigates the effect of the choice of cation on three different ionic-liquid-based gel polymer electrolytes (ILPEs) with polyimide membranes. The preparation of three ILPEs based on electrospun membranes of Pl and incorporating a room-temperature ionic liquid, 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide complexed with lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, is described. ILPE-EMImTFSI has an ionic conductivity as high as 5.3 x 10(-3) S cm(-1) at 30 degrees C. Furthermore, it shows higher thermal stability and electrochemical oxidation stability compared to the other two ILPEs because of its stronger bonds. These results indicate that polyimide-based ILPE-EMImTFSI is a good candidate for use in high-safety rechargeable lithium metal batteries. (C) 2018 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.