This study describes a comprehensive approach to the preparation of novel polymer electrolytes comprising (i) oligo(ethylene oxide) solvating chains and conjugated furan chromophores, both grafted onto a film-forming chitosan backbone and (ii) lithium perchlorate as the ionic conductor. The combination of these four elements was conceived in order to optimize both the electrochemical and mechanical properties of the materials and to maintain their thermoplastic character until the last step of the process, since their photoinduced cross-linking takes place only after the dissolution of the salt and the formation of a thin film. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.