Molecular interaction and ionic conductivity of polyethylene oxide-LiClO4 nanocomposites

Nanoparticle ceria (CeO2) has been used as inorganic filler in high molecular weight PEO-LiClO4 matrix to improve the ionic conductivity of polymer-salt complex at ambient temperature. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectra confirm the formation of PEO-LiClO4 salt complex and the nanocomposite. Based on the FTIR data, the bands in the C-O-C stretching band and ν(ClO4−) band have been assigned and the effect of CeO2 on ion-ion and ion-polymer interactions in the polymer electrolyte has been examined. Glass transition temperature and percentage of crystallinity are strongly influenced by adding ceria nanoparticles. The highest conductivity of 2.43×10−3Scm−1 has been achieved at room temperature for 10 wt% of CeO2. Temperature dependence of ionic conductivity follows Arrhenius mechanism.